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How to Say "to organize" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to organize” is “organizar” — use this word for the general act of arranging things, putting them in order, or planning an event like a party or a trip.

organizar🔊A1

Use this word for the general act of arranging things, putting them in order, or planning an event like a party or a trip.

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administrar🔊B1

Use this verb when referring to the management of resources, especially time, or overseeing a project or business.

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coordinar🔊B1

This word is used when arranging multiple elements or people to work together effectively towards a common goal.

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formar🔊A2

Use this verb specifically when arranging people or objects into a line, group, or structure.

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convocar🔊B1

This verb is used when formally calling people together for a specific purpose, such as a meeting, protest, or strike.

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montar🔊B2

Use this verb when starting or setting up something new, like a business, an event, or a project.

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armar🔊B2

This verb is used when putting together a plan, a group, or sometimes, when something unexpectedly starts or forms, like a crowd or a situation.

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English → Spanish

organizar

or-gah-nee-SARor.ɣa.niˈsaɾ

verbA1general
Use this word for the general act of arranging things, putting them in order, or planning an event like a party or a trip.
A colorful illustration of a child smiling while neatly placing building blocks into a designated storage box on a clean shelf in a brightly lit room.

Examples

Necesito organizar mi escritorio antes de empezar a trabajar.

I need to organize my desk before starting to work.

Ellos organizaron una fiesta sorpresa para su cumpleaños.

They organized a surprise party for his birthday.

Si organizamos bien la semana, tendremos tiempo libre el sábado.

If we organize the week well, we will have free time on Saturday.

Spelling Change in the Preterite

The 'yo' form of the past tense (preterite) changes the 'z' to a 'c' (organicé). This is just to keep the 's' sound consistent when the ending starts with an 'e'.

The 'z' in the Subjunctive

Mistake: “Quiero que yo organizo la reunión.”

Correction: Quiero que yo organice la reunión. (The 'z' changes to 'c' in the special form used for wishes—the subjunctive.)

administrar

ad-mee-nees-TRARadminisˈtɾaɾ

verbB1general
Use this verb when referring to the management of resources, especially time, or overseeing a project or business.
A person placing a gold coin into a ceramic piggy bank.

Examples

Necesito aprender a administrar mejor mi tiempo.

I need to learn to manage my time better.

Ella sabe cómo administrar su dinero para viajar mucho.

She knows how to manage her money so she can travel a lot.

Use with nouns

When talking about resources, simply place the resource (time, money, water) directly after the verb.

coordinar

ko-or-dee-narkooɾðiˈnaɾ

verbB1general
This word is used when arranging multiple elements or people to work together effectively towards a common goal.
A group of colorful workers placing large puzzle pieces together to form a path.

Examples

Ella coordina las reuniones del equipo cada lunes.

She coordinates the team meetings every Monday.

Es difícil coordinar a tantos voluntarios sin un plan.

It is difficult to coordinate so many volunteers without a plan.

Necesitamos coordinar nuestros esfuerzos para tener éxito.

We need to coordinate our efforts to be successful.

Using 'con'

When you want to say you are coordinating 'with' someone, use the word 'con': 'Coordino con mi jefe' (I coordinate with my boss).

Direct Action

This verb is used directly with the thing you are organizing: 'Coordinar el evento' (To coordinate the event).

Coordinar vs. Ordenar

Mistake: “Voy a coordinar mis libros en la estantería.”

Correction: Voy a ordenar mis libros en la estantería. Use 'ordenar' for tidying physical objects and 'coordinar' for managing people, tasks, or complex systems.

formar

for-MARfoɾˈmaɾ

verbA2general
Use this verb specifically when arranging people or objects into a line, group, or structure.
Three distinct colorful geometric blocks moving together to stack and create a simple tower structure.

Examples

Los estudiantes formaron una fila para entrar al bus.

The students formed a line to get on the bus.

El comité se formó con tres miembros de cada departamento.

The committee was formed with three members from each department.

La niebla formó un velo sobre el valle.

The fog formed a veil over the valley.

Using 'Formar' for Groups

When 'formar' means 'to make up' a group, it is often used impersonally or in the passive voice, like 'El grupo está formado por...' (The group is made up of...).

convocar

kon-bo-karkomboˈkaɾ

verbB1formal
This verb is used when formally calling people together for a specific purpose, such as a meeting, protest, or strike.
A group of people standing together in a circle, looking at each other as if starting a meeting.

Examples

El director va a convocar una reunión de emergencia esta tarde.

The director is going to call an emergency meeting this afternoon.

Los trabajadores decidieron convocar una huelga para el lunes.

The workers decided to organize a strike for Monday.

El presidente tiene el poder de convocar elecciones anticipadas.

The president has the power to call early elections.

The 'c' to 'qu' switch

When saying 'I called' (yo convoqué), the 'c' changes to 'qu' to keep the hard 'k' sound. Without this change, it would sound like 's'.

Using the 'Personal A'

When you call specific people (like 'convocar a los vecinos'), you must use the word 'a' before the people being called.

Using 'llamar' for formal events

Mistake: “Llamar una huelga.”

Correction: Convocar una huelga. While 'llamar' means to call, 'convocar' is the specific word for officially calling for a protest or meeting.

montar

mon-TARmonˈtaɾ

verbB2general
Use this verb when starting or setting up something new, like a business, an event, or a project.
Two cartoon figures arranging colorful artwork onto pedestals in an empty room, setting up an art exhibition.

Examples

Quiere montar un negocio de comida orgánica.

He wants to set up/start an organic food business.

El director está montando la próxima obra de teatro.

The director is staging the next play.

Montaron una fiesta sorpresa para su cumpleaños.

They organized a surprise party for his birthday.

armar

ar-MAHRaɾˈmaɾ

verbB2general
This verb is used when putting together a plan, a group, or sometimes, when something unexpectedly starts or forms, like a crowd or a situation.
A group of mischievous puppies in a living room having knocked over a vase and tangled themselves in yarn, creating a loud scene.

Examples

Se armó un lío tremendo en la calle.

A huge mess/fight started in the street.

Estamos armando una fiesta para su cumpleaños.

We are putting together/organizing a party for his birthday.

General vs. Specific Context

The most common mistake is using 'organizar' for every situation. Remember that while 'organizar' is a good general term, specific actions like managing time ('administrar'), arranging people in a line ('formar'), or starting a business ('montar') require a more precise verb.

Related Translations

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