Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| enviar | /emˈbjaɾ/ /embiˈaɾ/ |
| mandar | /manˈdaɾ/ |
| remitir | /remiˈtiɾ/ |
| expedir | /eɡspeˈdiɾ/ |
All these verbs describe the action of making something go somewhere. While they share the core meaning of "send", they are used in different contexts. For example, mandar can also mean "to command" or "to order" someone to perform an action, a meaning that enviar does not have.
Which one should you use?
enviar is the standard term for sending. mandar is more common in everyday, informal speech when sending messages or objects. remitir is a highly formal or technical term used in legal, administrative or official contexts. expedir is used specifically when the act of sending involves issuing official documents, certificates or dispatching goods from a warehouse.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of enviar is enviado, which is used to form perfect tenses or as an adjective. The past participle of mandar is mandado, which can also function as a noun meaning an "errand" or "task".
How do you pronounce it?
/emˈbjaɾ/
Did you know?
- The verb mandar is a direct ancestor of the English word 'mandate'. Both come from the Latin root meaning 'to order' or 'to commission'.
- In some contexts, remitir is used not just for sending a letter, but to describe a fever or a symptom that is 'sending' its intensity back down.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, mandar is used in the expression mandar a volar, which means 'to send someone flying' or to dismiss them abruptly.
Examples in context
- Voy a mandar flores.I'll send flowers.This sentence shows how to use mandar for sending flowers.Tatoeba #2474754 by hayastan, translation #2247807 by CK
- Te mandaré un mensaje.I'll send you a message.This sentence shows how to use mandar for sending a message.Tatoeba #8011530 by Seael, translation #3822445 by CK
- ¿Quién me enviaría flores?Who would send me flowers?This sentence shows how to use enviar in a question about flowers.Tatoeba #1993770 by marcelostockle, translation #1886563 by CK
- ¿Puede enviar este documento por correo?Can you send this document by mail?
- Por favor, envíe la información requerida lo antes posible.Please send the required information as soon as possible.
- Le ruego remita el formulario firmado antes del 10 de mayo.I kindly request that you send the signed form before May 10th.
- Mándame el archivo por correo electrónico, por favor.Send me the file via email, please.
- ¿Me echas el enlace por WhatsApp?Can you send me the link via WhatsApp?
- 129 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Mateo are at the post office.
- María¿Me ayudas a enviar este documento, Mateo?Can you help me send this document, Mateo?
- MateoClaro, María. ¿Es urgente enviar este sobre?Sure, María. Is it urgent to send this envelope?
- MaríaSí, tengo que enviar todo ahora mismo.Yes, I have to send everything right now.
- MateoEstá bien, yo te ayudo con eso.Alright, I will help you with that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “send” translations and entries enviar, mandar, remitir, expedir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries enviar, expedir, mandar, remitir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
