How to Say "to head" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to head” is “encabezar” — use 'encabezar' when referring to being in front of a list, ranking, or a group, or when putting a title or header on a document.
Use 'encabezar' when referring to being in front of a list, ranking, or a group, or when putting a title or header on a document.
Learn more →Use 'comandar' when you mean to lead or be in charge of a military unit or a large operation, implying authority and command.
Learn more →
Use 'rematar' specifically when describing the action of striking a ball with one's head in sports like soccer.
Learn more →en-kah-beh-sahrenkaβeˈθaɾ
Examples
Ella encabeza la lista de los mejores estudiantes.
She is at the top of the best students list.
Varios activistas encabezaron la manifestación ayer.
Several activists led the demonstration yesterday.
Su nombre encabeza la clasificación mundial de tenis.
His name leads the world tennis rankings.
Debes encabezar la carta con la fecha de hoy.
You must head the letter with today's date.
The Z to C spelling change
When the verb ending starts with an 'e' (like in the past 'yo' form or the special wish form), the 'z' changes to 'c'. So 'encabezar' becomes 'encabecé'.
Being the 'Head'
Think of this word as 'to head' something. It comes from 'cabeza' (head), so you are literally putting yourself at the head of a group.
Used in the passive
This meaning is often used with 'estar' to describe how a document looks, like 'está encabezado por...' (it is headed by...).
Spelling the 'yo' form
Mistake: “yo encabezé”
Correction: yo encabecé
Examples
El general decidió comandar las tropas personalmente.
The general decided to command the troops personally.
reh-mah-tahrre.maˈtaɾ
Examples
El delantero remató de cabeza y marcó un gol.
The forward headed the ball and scored a goal.
Tienes que rematar con más fuerza.
You have to shoot with more power.
Remató el balón al primer toque.
He struck the ball on the first touch.
Sports context
In sports, this word describes the final action of trying to score, regardless of whether it's with a foot, head, or hand.
Confusing Leading vs. Heading a Document
Learners often confuse 'encabezar' for leading a group with other verbs. Remember that 'encabezar' is used for being at the 'head' of a list or document, while 'comandar' implies a more direct, authoritative command structure.
Related Translations
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