una orden
/una oɾden/from spelling rules
The English phrase "a command" is translated into Spanish as una orden.
Una orden refers to a specific instruction or directive given to someone. While it can mean both "a command" and "an order," it should not be confused with un pedido, which is used for a commercial order such as one placed at a restaurant.
Which one should you use?
Una orden describes an instruction, whereas un mando refers to the power of command or a control device. Additionally, while una orden is a directive, mandato can be used as a synonym for a command in legal or political contexts, such as a mandate.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, informal plural commands use the '-d' ending.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of una orden is las órdenes, and the stress remains on the first syllable of the root.
How do you pronounce it?
/una oɾden/
Did you know?
- While una orden is a command, the word mando is used for the physical 'remote control' of a television, linking the idea of a command to a piece of hardware.
- While una orden is a directive, the word orden can also refer to a religious 'order' of monks or nuns, such as the 'orden de los franciscanos'.
- If you are looking for a 'command' in a computer programming context, Spanish speakers often use the word comando instead of orden.
Examples in context
- Por favor, cierre la puertaPlease close the door
- Esperen por míWait for me
- Escuche con atenciónListen carefully
- Vamos al parqueLet's go to the park
- No te olvides de llamarmeDon't forget to call me
- El jefe dio una orden clara.The boss gave a clear command.
- No es una orden, es un consejo.It is not a command, it is advice.
- Recibí una orden de la central.I received a command from headquarters.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are arguing about chores.
- LucíaLimpia la cocina ahora mismo.Clean the kitchen right now.
- JavierNo me des una orden, Lucía.Don't give me a command, Lucía.
- LucíaEs lo que acordamos ayer.It is what we agreed yesterday.
- JavierEstá bien, lo haré en un momento.Alright, I will do it in a moment.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
