How to Say "to direct" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to direct” is “dirigir” — use 'dirigir' when you mean to lead, guide, or be in charge of something like a project, a group, or a performance..
dirigir
/dee-ree-HEER//di.ɾiˈxiɾ/
Examples
Ella dirige la orquesta sinfónica de la ciudad.
She directs the city's symphony orchestra.
Mi jefe dirige el departamento de marketing.
My boss manages the marketing department.
El presidente dirigió un mensaje a la nación anoche.
The president addressed a message to the nation last night.
The 'g' to 'j' Change
In the 'yo' form of the present tense, the spelling changes from 'dirigir' to 'dirijo'. This is only to keep the hard 'H' sound (like the Spanish 'j') that you hear in the infinitive.
Forgetting the spelling change
Mistake: “Yo dirigo.”
Correction: Yo dirijo. Remember the 'j' sound is crucial for the first-person present tense.
ordenar
or-deh-NAR/or.ðeˈnaɾ/
Examples
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).
Dirigir vs. Ordenar
Related Translations
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