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How to Say "manage" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “manage” is “controlar” — use 'controlar' when 'manage' refers to having authority over something, like finances, operations, or even a situation like music at a party..

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controlar

kohn-troh-LAHR/kon.tɾoˈlaɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'controlar' when 'manage' refers to having authority over something, like finances, operations, or even a situation like music at a party.
A person steering a large ship's wheel, illustrating the concept of managing and directing.

Examples

Mi hermana controla la música en la fiesta.

My sister controls the music at the party.

El gobierno necesita controlar mejor el gasto público.

The government needs to better control public spending.

Basic Structure

Like many Spanish verbs, 'controlar' follows a simple structure: [Person] + [controlar] + [The thing being controlled].

arreglar

ah-rreh-GLAHR/arreˈɣlaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'arreglar' when 'manage' means to fix or sort out a problem or a difficult situation.
Two friendly cartoon characters, a boy and a girl, smiling and giving each other a high-five, signifying that their disagreement is resolved.

Examples

Necesitamos arreglar este malentendido antes de que sea peor.

We need to sort out this misunderstanding before it gets worse.

El banco finalmente arregló la deuda de la compañía.

The bank finally settled the company's debt.

Controlar vs. Arreglar

Learners often confuse 'controlar' and 'arreglar' because 'manage' can imply both control and problem-solving. Remember, if you are overseeing or directing something, use 'controlar'. If you are fixing or resolving something, use 'arreglar'.

Related Translations

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