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How to Say "to organize" in Spanish

English → Spanish

organizar

or-gah-nee-SAR/or.ɣa.niˈsaɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'organizar' when you are arranging items, planning an event like a party, or structuring something in a systematic way.
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.)

formar

for-MAR/foɾˈmaɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'formar' specifically when arranging people or objects into a line, group, or shape.
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...).

montar

/mon-TAR//monˈtaɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'montar' when setting up or establishing a business, event, or 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-MAHR//aɾˈmaɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'armar' when putting together a plan or group, often implying a more informal or even chaotic assembly, and can also mean 'to assemble' something physically.
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.

Choosing between 'organizar' and 'montar'

Learners often confuse 'organizar' with 'montar.' Remember that 'organizar' is for general arrangement and planning, while 'montar' is specifically for initiating or setting up something like a business or event.

Related Translations

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