Inklingo

How to Say "to manage" in Spanish

English → Spanish

dirigir

/dee-ree-HEER//di.ɾiˈxiɾ/

verbA2
Use 'dirigir' when 'to manage' means to lead, command, or be in charge of a group, organization, or project.
A simplified illustration of a person wearing a bright vest standing at a street intersection, using clear hand signals to guide the movement of two small, colorful toy-like cars.

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.

lograr

loh-GRAR/loˈɣɾaɾ/

verbA2
Use 'lograr' when 'to manage' means to succeed in doing something, often with effort or difficulty, or to achieve a goal.
A brightly colored illustration of a small, triumphant character standing on a mountain peak, holding a small flag high above their head, symbolizing achievement.

Examples

Logró terminar la maratón a pesar de la lluvia.

He managed to finish the marathon despite the rain.

Siempre he querido lograr la paz interior.

I have always wanted to achieve inner peace.

Si trabajamos juntos, lograremos nuestros objetivos.

If we work together, we will achieve our goals.

Using 'Lograr' with Actions

When you want to say you succeeded in doing something, you usually follow 'lograr' directly with the action verb in its base form (infinitive), without needing a preposition like 'a' or 'de'. Example: 'Logré correr' (I succeeded in running).

Lograr vs. Tener Éxito

'Lograr' focuses on the successful completion of a specific task or goal. 'Tener éxito' is a broader phrase meaning 'to be successful' in general, often over a long period.

Using 'en' after Lograr

Mistake: “Logré en terminar el proyecto.”

Correction: Logré terminar el proyecto. ('Lograr' usually doesn't need 'en' when followed by an action.)

Dirigir vs. Lograr

Learners often confuse 'dirigir' and 'lograr' by using 'dirigir' when they mean 'to succeed at something'. Remember, 'dirigir' is about leadership or being in charge, while 'lograr' is about achievement or accomplishment.

Related Translations

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