Inklingo

How to Say "instructions" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “instructions” is “instrucciones” — use 'instrucciones' when referring to the steps or directions needed to assemble, operate, or understand something..

English → Spanish

instrucciones

/eens-trook-SYOH-ness//instɾukˈθjones/

nounA1general
Use 'instrucciones' when referring to the steps or directions needed to assemble, operate, or understand something.
A simplified illustration showing a human hand assembling a small wooden toy house by following a clear, visual sequence of steps.

Examples

Necesito las instrucciones para instalar el software.

I need the instructions to install the software.

¿Dónde están las instrucciones para armar esta silla?

Where are the instructions for assembling this chair?

Perdí las instrucciones del juego.

I lost the game's instructions.

Sigue las instrucciones al pie de la letra.

Follow the instructions to the letter (exactly).

Always Plural

This word is almost always used in its plural form in Spanish, just like the English word 'instructions,' even when referring to a single set of directions.

Using the Singular

Mistake: “Dame la instrucción, por favor.”

Correction: Dame las instrucciones, por favor. ('Instrucción' exists, but usually means 'teaching' or 'education,' not 'directions.')

órdenes

/OR-deh-ness//'oɾdenes/

nounA2general
Use 'órdenes' when referring to commands or directives given by someone in authority that must be obeyed.
A storybook illustration of a commanding officer pointing forward, giving instructions to soldiers marching behind them.

Examples

El capitán dio órdenes claras a sus tropas.

The captain gave clear orders to his troops.

Los soldados siguieron las órdenes sin dudar.

The soldiers followed the orders without hesitation.

Mi jefa me dio órdenes claras para el proyecto.

My boss gave me clear orders for the project.

Estoy a sus órdenes.

I am at your service/command.

Plural of 'La orden'

'Órdenes' is the plural of 'la orden'. Notice how an accent mark is needed on 'órdenes' to keep the stress on the first syllable, but not on 'orden'.

Gender Confusion

Mistake: “Using 'los órdenes' for commands.”

Correction: Always use 'las órdenes' for this meaning. It's a feminine noun: 'la orden'.

Confusing 'instrucciones' and 'órdenes'

The most common mistake is using 'órdenes' when you simply mean steps or directions for a task. Remember, 'órdenes' implies a command from an authority figure that requires obedience, whereas 'instrucciones' are neutral directions.

Related Translations

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