How to Say "to dictate" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to dictate” is “dictar” — use 'dictar' when you are speaking words aloud for someone else to write down, like a teacher giving notes.
dictar
deek-TARdikˈtaɾ
Examples
El profesor dicta las notas a la clase.
The teacher dictates the notes to the class.
Por favor, dítame tu número de teléfono.
Please, dictate your phone number to me.
Es difícil escribir si dictas tan rápido.
It is hard to write if you dictate so fast.
Using 'le' and 'me' with dictar
When you dictate to someone, that person is the 'indirect object.' You should use 'le' or 'me' to show who is receiving the dictation (e.g., 'Le dicté la clave' meaning 'I dictated the code to him').
Confusing reading vs. dictating
Mistake: “Leo la carta a la secretaria.”
Correction: Dicto la carta a la secretaria.
determinar
day-ter-mee-NARde.teɾ.miˈnaɾ
Examples
La geografía del país determina su clima y agricultura.
The country's geography determines (or dictates) its climate and agriculture.
La oferta y la demanda determinan el precio final.
Supply and demand determine the final price.
imponer
eem-poh-NEHRim.poˈner
Examples
El gobierno quiere imponer un nuevo impuesto al tabaco.
The government wants to impose a new tax on tobacco.
No intentes imponer tus ideas a los demás.
Don't try to force your ideas on others.
El director impuso una disciplina muy estricta.
The director enforced very strict discipline.
Think of 'Poner'
This word works exactly like 'poner' (to put). If you know 'poner', just add 'im-' to the front for all forms!
Irregular Past Participle
The 'done' form is 'impuesto', not 'imponido'. This is because 'poner' becomes 'puesto'.
Using the wrong past form
Mistake: “Él imponió un castigo.”
Correction: Él impuso un castigo. (Because it follows the irregular pattern of 'poner').
mandar
mahn-DAHRmanˈdaɾ
Examples
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...).
Dictate vs. Impose vs. Determine
Related Translations
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