Inklingo

How to Say "ordered" in Spanish

English → Spanish
verbA2general
Use this when a person in authority gave a direct command or instruction in the past.

Examples

El juez ordenó el arresto inmediato del sospechoso.

The judge ordered the suspect's immediate arrest.

mandó

verbA2general
Use this when someone gave a command or instructed others to do something in the past, often with a sense of authority.

Examples

El director mandó que todos se quedaran después de la reunión.

The director ordered everyone to stay after the meeting.

ordenado

or-deh-NAH-doh/oɾðeˈnaðo/

past participleB1general
Use this as an adjective to describe something that has been commanded or instructed, often in a more formal context.
A king wearing a simple crown stands on a small podium, pointing decisively towards a path, instructing a kneeling messenger.

Examples

El capitán ha ordenado que la tripulación se prepare.

The captain has ordered the crew to prepare.

Los libros ya han sido ordenados por tema.

The books have already been arranged by topic.

Forming Perfect Tenses

When 'ordenado' is used with the verb 'haber' (like 'he', 'has', 'ha'), it never changes its ending. It always stays 'ordenado', regardless of who did the action: 'Ella ha ordenado' (She has ordered).

Using the Passive Voice

When used with 'ser' or 'estar' (like 'fue', 'está', 'fueron'), 'ordenado' functions as an adjective and must match the thing being described: 'La comida fue ordenada' (feminine singular).

mandado

/man-DAH-doh//manˈdaðo/

adjectiveB1general
Use this as an adjective when something was sent or delivered as a result of an order or command, typically through a means like mail or email.
A simple, sealed letter envelope with a stylized wing attached, flying purposefully through the air, symbolizing being dispatched.

Examples

El informe fue mandado por correo electrónico esta mañana.

The report was sent by email this morning.

La tropa estaba mandada por el sargento.

The troop was commanded by the sergeant.

Las flores ya están mandadas.

The flowers have already been sent.

The Root Verb

This form comes from the verb mandar, which means 'to send,' 'to order,' or 'to command.' The noun 'errand' is a task that was ordered or sent.

Agreement is Key

When mandado acts like an adjective (e.g., after ser or estar), it must change endings to match the person or thing it describes: La carta fue mandada (feminine).

Verb vs. Past Participle

The most common mistake is confusing the past tense verbs 'ordenó'/'mandó' with the past participle 'ordenado' or adjective 'mandado'. Remember that verbs describe an action (he ordered), while participles/adjectives describe a state or result (it was ordered/sent).

Related Translations

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