Inklingo

How to Say "to run" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to run” is “correr” — use this for the general physical act of running, like an athlete or someone exercising..

correr🔊A1

Use this for the general physical act of running, like an athlete or someone exercising.

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dirigir🔊A2

Use this when 'to run' means to manage, lead, or be in charge of an organization, business, or group.

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operar🔊A2

Use this when 'to run' refers to the functioning of a system, machine, or business, especially in a technical or operational sense.

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rodar🔊A2

Use this when 'to run' describes the movement of something rolling, like a ball or a vehicle.

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trabajar🔊A2

Use this for a machine or engine 'running' when it means functioning or operating, often implying effort.

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ejecutar🔊B1

Use this specifically when 'to run' means to execute or start a computer program, software, or command.

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irse🔊B1

Use this when colors are 'running' in laundry, meaning they are fading or bleeding out.

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English → Spanish

correr

koh-REHR/koˈrer/

verbA1general
Use this for the general physical act of running, like an athlete or someone exercising.
A simple drawing of a person running quickly across a green field under a blue sky.

Examples

Ella corre todos los días en el parque para mantenerse en forma.

She runs every day in the park to stay in shape.

Tuvimos que correr para no perder el autobús.

We had to run so we wouldn't miss the bus.

¿Podemos correr más rápido?

Can we run faster?

Correr vs. Funcionar

Use 'correr' only for movement or liquids. If a machine or system is 'running' (working), use 'funcionar'.

dirigir

/dee-ree-HEER//di.ɾiˈxiɾ/

verbA2general
Use this when 'to run' means to manage, lead, or be in charge of an organization, business, or group.
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.

operar

/oh-peh-RAHR//opeˈɾaɾ/

verbA2general
Use this when 'to run' refers to the functioning of a system, machine, or business, especially in a technical or operational sense.
A brightly colored cartoon industrial machine with visible turning gears and a conveyor belt successfully moving a small object, showing it is functioning.

Examples

El nuevo sistema operativo opera mucho más rápido.

The new operating system functions much faster.

Esta empresa opera en varios países de Latinoamérica.

This company operates in several Latin American countries.

Context is Key

When referring to a machine or system, 'operar' means 'to work/function.' When referring to a person, it means 'to perform surgery.' The subject tells you the meaning.

rodar

/roh-dar//roˈðaɾ/

verbA2general
Use this when 'to run' describes the movement of something rolling, like a ball or a vehicle.
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration of a bright red rubber ball rolling down a gentle green grassy hill.

Examples

La pelota rodó por la colina hasta el río.

The ball rolled down the hill to the river.

El coche nuevo rueda muy suavemente.

The new car runs very smoothly (meaning: the wheels turn smoothly).

Tuvimos que rodar la caja pesada, no podíamos levantarla.

We had to roll the heavy box; we couldn't lift it.

Rodar vs. Rodarse

You use 'rodar' when you make something else roll ('Yo rodo el barril'). You use the reflexive form 'rodarse' when the object rolls by itself ('El barril se rodó').

trabajar

/tra-ba-HAR//tɾa.βaˈxaɾ/

verbA2general
Use this for a machine or engine 'running' when it means functioning or operating, often implying effort.
A bright red electric blender actively mixing colorful fruits and liquids, demonstrating a machine that is functioning.

Examples

El aire acondicionado no trabaja.

The air conditioning doesn't work.

¿Sabes por qué la impresora no trabaja?

Do you know why the printer isn't working?

Este plan no va a trabajar.

This plan isn't going to work.

ejecutar

/eh-heh-koo-TAR//exeˈku.taɾ/

verbB1technical
Use this specifically when 'to run' means to execute or start a computer program, software, or command.
A glowing computer screen showing a large colorful play button symbol.

Examples

Haz doble clic para ejecutar el archivo.

Double-click to run the file.

irse

/EER-seh//ˈiɾse/

pronominal verbB1informal
Use this when colors are 'running' in laundry, meaning they are fading or bleeding out.
A blue metal water pipe with a single drop of water slowly falling from a visible crack, illustrating a leak.

Examples

Se está yendo el gas del globo.

The gas is leaking from the balloon.

Cuidado, la sopa se va por el borde de la olla.

Careful, the soup is spilling over the edge of the pot.

Talking About Accidents

This use of 'irse' is often part of a structure that describes an accident without placing blame. For example, 'Se me fue la leche' is like saying 'The milk got away from me' instead of 'I spilled the milk'.

Physical Running vs. Managing

The most common confusion is between 'correr' (physical running) and 'dirigir' or 'operar' (managing/operating). Remember, if you're talking about people or animals moving quickly on foot, use 'correr'. For leading a business or system, use 'dirigir' or 'operar'.

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