How to Say "to command" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to command” is “mandar” — use 'mandar' when the command comes from a position of personal authority, like a leader giving instructions to their group, or when the tone is more informal..
mandar
/mahn-DAHR//manˈdaɾ/
Examples
El general mandó a sus tropas avanzar.
The general commanded his troops to advance.
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-NAR/or.ðeˈnaɾ/
Examples
El juez ordenó la detención del sospechoso.
The judge ordered the suspect's arrest.
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).
Mandar vs. Ordenar: Authority vs. Instruction
Related Translations
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