How to Say "to command" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to command” is “mandar” — use 'mandar' when someone is exerting direct authority or giving an order, often in a less formal or non-military context than 'comandar'.
mandar
mahn-DAHRmanˈdaɾ
Examples
El jefe mandó a sus empleados que terminaran el informe.
The boss ordered his employees to finish the report.
El capitán mandó a sus hombres que se retiraran.
The captain ordered his men to retreat.
Mi jefe me mandó terminar el informe antes de las cinco.
My boss ordered me to finish the report before five.
Mandaron construir un nuevo puente sobre el río.
They ordered the construction of a new bridge over the river.
The 'Que' Link
When you use 'mandar' to order someone else to do something, you usually connect the two parts of the sentence with 'que' and use the special form of the second verb (subjunctive): 'Mandó que saliéramos' (He ordered us to leave).
Using the wrong preposition
Mistake: “Using 'mandar de hacer algo' instead of 'mandar hacer algo' or 'mandar que...'”
Correction: Often, the structure is just 'mandar' + the action, or 'mandar a alguien que...' (to order someone that...).
ordenar
or-deh-NARor.ðeˈnaɾ
Examples
El juez ordenó al acusado que permaneciera en silencio.
The judge ordered the accused to remain silent.
El presidente ordenó una investigación inmediata.
The president ordered an immediate investigation.
La policía le ordenó detener el coche.
The police commanded him to stop the car.
Action on Others
When this verb means 'to command someone else to do something,' it often uses the special verb form (subjunctive): 'Ordenó que saliéramos' (He ordered that we leave).
disponer
dees-poh-NEHRdis.poˈner
Examples
La empresa dispone de un presupuesto limitado para el proyecto.
The company has a limited budget available for the project.
No disponemos de mucho tiempo para la reunión.
We don't have much time available for the meeting.
El hotel dispone de una piscina climatizada.
The hotel has a heated pool available.
Usted puede disponer de su dinero en cualquier momento.
You can use your money at any time.
The 'De' Requirement
When 'disponer' means to have something available, you must place the word 'de' before the object. Think of it like saying 'to be in possession of'.
Conjugation Cheat Code
This verb is based on 'poner'. Every time you conjugate it, just do exactly what you would do for 'poner' and add 'dis-' at the start (e.g., puse → dispuse).
Missing the 'De'
Mistake: “Disponemos una casa nueva.”
Correction: Disponemos de una casa nueva. (You need the 'de' to bridge the verb to the thing you have).
Regularizing the Past Participle
Mistake: “He disponido las flores.”
Correction: He dispuesto las flores. (Since 'poner' becomes 'puesto', 'disponer' becomes 'dispuesto').
comandar
ko-man-DARkomanˈdaɾ
Examples
El almirante comandó la flota naval durante la misión.
The admiral commanded the naval fleet during the mission.
El general decidió comandar las tropas personalmente.
The general decided to command the troops personally.
Ella fue elegida para comandar el nuevo proyecto de la empresa.
She was chosen to lead the company's new project.
Nuestro equipo busca comandar la liga este año.
Our team seeks to lead the league this year.
A 'Regular' Leader
This word follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ar. It doesn't have any tricky spelling changes in its various forms.
Using 'a' with People
When 'comandar' is followed by a specific person or group of people, you often use the 'personal a', like in 'comandar a las tropas'.
Comandar vs. Mandar
Mistake: “Using 'comandar' to tell your friend to do something.”
Correction: Use 'mandar' for general orders and 'comandar' for official leadership. Say 'Mi madre me mandó limpiar' instead of 'Mi madre me comandó limpiar'.
Mandar vs. Ordenar
Related Translations
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