How to Say "instruction" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “instruction” is “instrucción” — use this for a specific direction, order, or step-by-step guidance, especially when found in manuals, recipes, or technical procedures.
instrucción
Examples
No entiendo la primera instrucción del manual.
I don't understand the first instruction in the manual.
orden
OR-denˈoɾ.ðen
Examples
El capitán dio la orden de avanzar.
The captain gave the order to advance.
Disculpe, ¿puedo tomar su orden?
Excuse me, can I take your order?
Recibí una orden de compra para los nuevos materiales.
I received a purchase order for the new materials.
Always 'la orden' for This Meaning
When talking about a command, an instruction, or a request (like at a restaurant), 'orden' is a feminine word. You'll always use 'la' or 'una' with it, like 'una orden del jefe' (an order from the boss).
Mixing up 'la orden' and 'el orden'
Mistake: “El mesero tomó el orden.”
Correction: El mesero tomó la orden. A waiter takes a request for food, which is 'la orden'. Using 'el orden' here doesn't make sense; it would mean 'the waiter took the tidiness'.
indicación
Examples
Sigue las indicaciones del mapa para llegar al hotel.
Follow the map's instructions to get to the hotel.
capacitación
Examples
La empresa ofrece capacitación gratuita para los nuevos empleados.
The company offers free training for new employees.
consigna
kon-SEEG-nahkonˈsiɣna
Examples
La consigna del jefe era no molestar a los clientes.
The boss's instruction was not to disturb the customers.
El guardia no nos dejó pasar porque no sabíamos la consigna.
The guard didn't let us through because we didn't know the password.
Siga las consignas de seguridad en caso de incendio.
Follow the safety instructions in case of fire.
Specific Orders
Unlike a general rule, a 'consigna' is usually a specific task or behavior assigned for a particular situation.
Password usage
Mistake: “Using 'consigna' for a website password.”
Correction: Use 'contraseña' for digital passwords. Use 'consigna' for a verbal secret word used with a guard or group.
comando
koh-MAHN-dohkoˈmando
Examples
Tienes que escribir el comando exacto para que el programa funcione.
You have to write the exact command for the program to work.
El técnico me enseñó a usar un comando de voz.
The technician taught me how to use a voice command.
Technical Vocabulary
When talking about computers or programming, 'comando' is the standard word for the instruction you type or say.
educación
Examples
La educación es un derecho fundamental de todos los niños.
Education is a fundamental right of all children.
clases
KLAH-sesˈklases
Examples
Tengo clases de matemáticas todos los lunes por la mañana.
I have math classes every Monday morning.
¿A qué hora terminan tus clases hoy?
What time do your classes end today?
Ella da clases de piano a niños pequeños.
She gives piano lessons to small children.
Always Plural for School
For educational lessons, 'clases' is almost always used in the plural, even if you are just talking about one subject. (e.g., 'Tengo clases de inglés' - I have English class.)
Using 'Clase' for School Subjects
Mistake: “Hago una clase de español.”
Correction: Tomo clases de español. (Use the plural 'clases' and the verb 'tomar' or 'tener'.)
Instruction vs. Order vs. Indication
Related Translations
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