How to Say "to assign" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to assign” is “asignar” — use 'asignar' when you are giving someone a specific task, duty, or responsibility, especially in academic or work contexts.
asignar
ah-seen-YARasiˈnaɾ
Examples
El profesor asignó mucha tarea para el fin de semana.
The teacher assigned a lot of homework for the weekend.
Debemos asignar un color diferente a cada carpeta.
We should assign a different color to each folder.
El gobierno decidió asignar más fondos a la investigación médica.
The government decided to allocate more funds to medical research.
Using 'a' with People
When you assign something TO someone, use the word 'a' before the person receiving the task (e.g., 'Asigné la tarea a Juan').
A Regular Pattern
This verb follows the standard rules for -ar verbs, making it very predictable to conjugate.
The 'Sign' Trap
Mistake: “Using 'asignar' when you mean to sign a document.”
Correction: Use 'firmar' for signing your name. 'Asignar' is only for giving out tasks or resources.
Missing the Object
Mistake: “Saying 'El jefe asignó' without saying what was assigned.”
Correction: In Spanish, you usually need to mention the task or item being assigned.
encomendar
en-ko-men-DAHRenkompenˈdaɾ
Examples
Mi jefe me encomendó la dirección del proyecto.
My boss entrusted me with the management of the project.
Ella encomendó sus hijos al cuidado de su madre.
She entrusted her children to her mother's care.
Antes de la cirugía, el paciente se encomendó a Dios.
Before the surgery, the patient commended himself to God.
The Stem Change
This verb is a 'boot verb.' The 'e' in the middle changes to 'ie' in all forms where you emphasize that syllable (yo encomiendo), but it stays 'e' when the emphasis is on the ending (nosotros encomendamos).
Using 'se' for protection
When you use the reflexive 'se' (encomendarse), it usually means you are asking for protection or help from a higher power or someone influential.
Confusing with 'Command'
Mistake: “Using 'encomendar' to mean 'to give an order' like 'command'.”
Correction: Use 'mandar' or 'ordenar' for simple commands. 'Encomendar' is for giving a responsibility or task.
confiar
kon-fyahrkoɱˈfjaɾ
Examples
Le confié mi secreto a mi mejor amigo.
I confided my secret to my best friend.
El director me confió la dirección del proyecto.
The director entrusted me with the management of the project.
Voy a confiarte las llaves de mi casa.
I'm going to entrust you with my house keys.
Different Structure: 'confiar algo a alguien'
When you entrust something, the structure changes. You use a to show who is receiving the secret or task. The pattern is: confiar [the thing] a [the person].
Mixing up 'en' and 'a'
Mistake: “Le confié mi secreto en mi amigo.”
Correction: Le confié mi secreto a mi amigo. Use 'a' when giving something (like a secret) to someone, and 'en' when simply expressing trust in them.
enviar
en-byaremˈbjaɾ
Examples
La compañía envió a su mejor abogado a la corte de Nueva York.
The company dispatched (sent) its best lawyer to the New York court.
El jefe de bomberos envió dos equipos adicionales al incendio.
The fire chief sent (dispatched) two additional teams to the fire.
adjudicar
ad-hoo-dee-KARaðxuðiˈkaɾ
Examples
El jurado va a adjudicar el premio esta tarde.
The jury is going to award the prize this afternoon.
Le adjudicaron la obra a una empresa constructora local.
They awarded the construction project to a local company.
Es injusto adjudicarle toda la responsabilidad a ella.
It is unfair to assign all the responsibility to her.
The Spelling Swap
When you use the 'I' form in the past (yo), the 'c' changes to 'qu' to keep the hard 'K' sound: 'adjudiqué' (I awarded).
The 'To Whom' Rule
When awarding something to someone, always use 'a' before the person or group receiving it: 'Adjudicar el contrato A la empresa'.
Don't confuse with 'premiar'
Mistake: “Usar adjudicar para un premio personal como un regalo.”
Correction: Use 'premiar' for personal rewards and 'adjudicar' for formal, official decisions like business bids or legal wins.
destinar
dehs-tee-NAHRdes.tiˈnaɾ
Examples
Fue destinado a la embajada de Madrid.
He was posted to the embassy in Madrid.
El soldado fue destinado a la frontera.
The soldier was stationed at the border.
Me destinaron a un nuevo departamento.
They assigned me to a new department.
Passive Voice Usage
This meaning is very often used in the passive voice (using 'ser' + past participle) because the person usually doesn't choose where they are sent.
Asignar vs. Encomendar vs. Confiar
Related Translations
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