Inklingo

How to Say "instruction" in Spanish

English → Spanish

clases

/KLAH-ses//ˈklases/

nounA1general teaching
Use 'clases' when referring to scheduled learning sessions or a course of study, like in a school or for a hobby.
A storybook illustration showing a friendly teacher standing next to a chalkboard, pointing to a simple drawing, while a few happy students sit at desks looking attentive during a lesson.

Examples

Tengo clases de español los martes y jueves.

I have Spanish classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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'.)

orden

/OR-den//ˈoɾ.ðen/

NounA2a direction on how to do something
Use 'orden' when you mean a specific direction or command given by someone in authority, telling you what to do.
A friendly waiter taking a food order from a customer at a cafe table, illustrating a commercial request.

Examples

El profesor dio la orden de abrir los libros.

The teacher gave the order to open the books.

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'.

educación

nounA2the act of teaching
Use 'educación' to refer to the general process of learning, schooling, or the system of education.

Examples

La educación pública es importante para la sociedad.

Public education is important for society.

comando

/koh-MAHN-doh//koˈmando/

nounB1technical direction
Use 'comando' when referring to a specific command in a technical context, like computer programming or military operations.
A close-up illustration of a finger pressing a prominent, glowing button on a minimalist computer screen, representing a computer instruction.

Examples

Escribe 'ls -l' como comando para ver los archivos.

Type 'ls -l' as a command to see the files.

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.

Clases vs. Orden

Learners often confuse 'clases' (classes/lessons) with 'orden' (order/command). Remember that 'clases' refers to scheduled learning activities, while 'orden' is a direct instruction from an authority figure on what to do.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.