Inklingo

How to Say "sends" in Spanish

English → Spanish

manda

/MAN-dah//ˈman.da/

verbA1general
Use 'manda' for the general act of sending something, like emails, packages, or messages, especially in everyday conversation.
A simplified illustration of a boss figure standing on a mound, pointing decisively with a serious expression, commanding a smaller worker figure below who is immediately beginning a task.

Examples

Mi jefe siempre manda correos a medianoche.

My boss always sends emails at midnight.

Ella manda en su casa, no su esposo.

She is in charge of her house, not her husband.

Dile a Ricardo que manda el paquete hoy mismo.

Tell Ricardo to send the package today.

The Informal Command

The 'tú' command form (telling a friend what to do) for almost all regular -ar verbs is the same as the 'él/ella/usted' present tense form. So, 'manda' means both 'he/she orders' AND 'Order! (tú form).'

Confusing 'Manda' (Command) and 'Mande' (Formal Command)

Mistake: “Using 'Manda' when speaking formally to a boss or elder.”

Correction: Use 'Mande' (from the Usted form) when giving a formal instruction: 'Mande usted el documento' (Send the document, formal).

dirige

dee-REE-heh/diˈɾi.xe/

verbB2formal
Use 'dirige' when the sending implies directing or addressing something to a specific recipient or destination, often in a formal or official capacity.
A character standing on a small wooden stage speaking into a microphone, while a single listener in the audience looks up directly at them, acknowledging the speech.

Examples

Ella siempre dirige sus cartas al departamento correcto.

She always addresses her letters to the correct department.

El orador dirige su mensaje a los jóvenes.

The speaker aims his message at young people.

The Reflexive Form

The verb 'dirigirse' (to head toward, to address oneself) is much more common for movement: 'Él se dirige al teatro' (He is heading to the theater).

General vs. Directed Sending

Learners often use 'dirige' when 'manda' would be more appropriate and natural. Remember that 'manda' is the go-to for most sending actions, while 'dirige' implies a specific direction or formal address, like sending a letter to a specific department.

Related Translations

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