Inklingo

How to Say "management" in Spanish

English → Spanish

administración

nounB1general
Use this word for the general process of organizing, planning, and overseeing resources, tasks, or people.

Examples

La administración de los recursos naturales es un desafío global.

The management of natural resources is a global challenge.

manejo

/ma-NE-ho//maˈnexo/

nounB1general
Choose this word when referring to the skill or act of handling or dealing with something, especially a situation or a problem.
A close-up view of two hands firmly gripping a bright red steering wheel, illustrating the physical control of an object.

Examples

El manejo de la crisis fue excelente, nadie perdió la calma.

The management of the crisis was excellent; nobody lost their cool.

Necesitas mejorar tu manejo del volante si quieres aprobar el examen.

You need to improve your handling of the steering wheel if you want to pass the exam.

El manual explica el manejo adecuado de las herramientas.

The manual explains the proper handling of the tools.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in 'o', which often signals a masculine noun, it is always used with 'el' or 'un' (e.g., 'el manejo').

Noun of Action

This noun refers to the act or result of 'manejar' (to handle/manage), making it a very direct way to talk about skills or administration.

Using the wrong article

Mistake: “La manejo.”

Correction: El manejo. Remember, 'manejo' is masculine, so use 'el'.

dirección

nounB1general
Use this term to refer to the specific group of people who lead or are in charge of a company or organization.

Examples

La dirección de la empresa aprobó el nuevo proyecto.

The company's management approved the new project.

direcciones

/dee-rek-SYOH-nes//diɾekˈθjones/

nounB2formal
This plural form refers to the collective leadership bodies or boards of multiple organizations or different levels of management within one.
Three simplified human figures standing on a hill, with the central figure slightly elevated and pointing confidently forward, illustrating leadership.

Examples

Las direcciones de ambas empresas firmaron el acuerdo.

The management boards of both companies signed the agreement.

Hubo cambios en las direcciones regionales del partido.

There were changes in the party's regional directorates.

Context is Key

This meaning is almost exclusively found in formal writing, reports, or news about organizations. If you see it outside that context, it almost certainly means 'directions' or 'addresses'.

Administración vs. Dirección

A common mistake is using 'administración' when you mean the specific people in charge. Remember, 'dirección' (singular) refers to the leadership team, while 'administración' is the act or process of managing.

Related Translations

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