Inklingo

How to Say "you command" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word foryou commandis ordenasuse 'ordenas' when giving a direct command or instruction to 'you' (tú form, informal singular) or when expressing a strong suggestion that something should happen (present subjunctive)..

English → Spanish

ordenas

verbB1
Use 'ordenas' when giving a direct command or instruction to 'you' (tú form, informal singular) or when expressing a strong suggestion that something should happen (present subjunctive).

Examples

¡Ordenas que limpie mi habitación ahora!

You command that I clean my room now!

pides

PEE-des/ˈpi.ðes/

verbA1
Use 'pides' when asking what someone 'orders' as in requesting food or a drink, or when asking for something.
A simple storybook illustration of a person standing at a brightly lit cafe counter, pointing towards a stylized picture of a sandwich on a menu board, indicating they are placing an order.

Examples

¿Qué pides de postre?

What do you order for dessert?

¿Qué pides de postre cuando vas a ese restaurante?

What do you order for dessert when you go to that restaurant?

Si pides la pizza ahora, estará lista en veinte minutos.

If you order the pizza now, it will be ready in twenty minutes.

Command vs. Order (Request)

The most common mistake is confusing the imperative 'ordenas' (to command/order someone to do something) with 'pides' (to order food or to request something). Remember that 'ordenas' implies authority, while 'pides' is about requesting or choosing.

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