hacer mandados
/aθeɾ mandados/from spelling rules
To run errands in Spanish is to say hacer mandados.
The phrase is used when you need to undertake small tasks.
Meaning: to undertake small tasks (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb hacer (to do/make) and the noun mandados (errands or things ordered to be done).
Which one should you use?
While hacer mandados is widely understood, speakers in Spain often use hacer recados instead. In Mexico, you may also hear the alternative hacer diligencias.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Hacer mandados is a common way to express running errands in many parts of Latin America. In Spain, the term hacer recados is more common and in Mexico, hacer diligencias is a frequent alternative.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a single errand, use the singular form hacer un mandado.
How do you pronounce it?
/aθeɾ mandados/
Did you know?
- The word mandados comes from mandar, which means both 'to send' and 'to command'. This reveals that 'errands' were historically seen as tasks ordered by a superior.
- In many Latin American countries, a person who runs many errands might be jokingly called a mandadero, which can also imply someone who is a 'go-fer' or a low-level assistant.
- While hacer recados is the standard term in Spain, a recado is also a short written message, meaning the phrase can literally describe the act of delivering notes.
Examples in context
- Necesito hacer algunos mandados esta tarde.I need to run some errands this afternoon.
- Voy a dedicar la mañana a realizar algunas tareas.I'm going to spend the morning running errands.
- Estoy ocupado esta tarde, tengo que hacer vueltas en el centro.I'm busy this afternoon, I have to run errands downtown.
- Voy a hacer unos recados antes de la reunión.I'm going to run some errands before the meeting.
- Tengo que hacer algunas diligencias en la ciudad.I have to run some errands in the city.
- Tengo que hacer unos mandados antes de ir al trabajo.I have to run some errands before going to work.
- Tengo que hacer mandados por la tarde.I have to run errands in the afternoon.
- ¿Quieres ir a hacer mandados conmigo?Do you want to go run errands with me?
- Él salió a hacer mandados hace una hora.He went out to run errands an hour ago.
Example conversation
Two friends talking on the phone about their plans.
- Elena¿Qué vas a hacer hoy, Daniel?What are you going to do today, Daniel?
- DanielVoy a hacer mandados un rato.I am going to run errands for a while.
- ElenaEstá bien, entonces nos vemos luego.That is fine, then I will see you later.
- DanielSí, Elena, te llamo cuando termine.Yes, Elena, I will call you when I finish.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
