Inklingo

How to Say "to order" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pedir

/peh-deer//peˈðiɾ/

verbA1informal
Use this word when ordering food or drinks in a restaurant, bar, or for delivery.
A server in a restaurant holding a notepad and pen, taking an order from a customer seated at a table who is pointing at a menu.

Examples

¿Qué vas a pedir?

What are you going to order?

Pedimos una pizza para cenar anoche.

We ordered a pizza for dinner last night.

Voy a pedir el pescado, por favor.

I'm going to order the fish, please.

ordenar

or-deh-NAR/or.ðeˈnaɾ/

verbB1formal
Use this word when issuing a formal command, decree, or instruction, often by someone in authority, or when ordering products online or from a catalog.
A stern military officer standing tall, pointing a gloved hand forward with a determined expression, commanding attention.

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.

¿Qué vas a ordenar para cenar?

What are you going to order for dinner?

Ordenamos la pizza por teléfono.

We ordered the pizza by phone.

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).

Spain vs. Latin America

Mistake: “Using 'ordenar' for food in Spain.”

Correction: In Spain, 'pedir' is much more typical for ordering food ('Voy a pedir una cerveza'). Use 'ordenar' primarily in Latin American contexts for this meaning.

mandar

/mahn-DAHR//manˈdaɾ/

verbB1formal
Use this word when giving a direct command or instruction, especially in a military or hierarchical context, implying authority.
A cartoon figure wearing a simple uniform standing straight and pointing directly forward with one arm, symbolizing giving an order.

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...).

Food vs. Formal Commands

The most common confusion is using 'ordenar' or 'mandar' for food when 'pedir' is the correct, everyday term. Remember: 'pedir' is for restaurants and delivery, while 'ordenar' and 'mandar' imply authority or a more formal instruction.

Related Translations

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