enviar
/emˈbjaɾ/
To send in Spanish is enviar.
enviar is the most common and neutral verb used to describe causing something, such as a letter or a digital message, to be delivered to a destination.
Which one should you use?
While enviar is the standard term, you may also encounter the synonym mandar. These are often interchangeable, but be aware that mandar can also mean 'to command' or 'to order'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The first-person singular preterite (past tense) form is envié (I sent). To form perfect tenses, use the past participle enviado with auxiliary verbs. If you use the infinitive enviar with a direct object pronoun like 'it' (lo), the pronoun is attached to the end of the verb to form enviarlo.
How do you pronounce it?
/emˈbjaɾ/
Did you know?
- In certain regions, the phrase mandar a volar literally means 'to send to fly', but it is used idiomatically to tell someone to get lost or go away.
- The verb enviar shares the same Latin root as the English word 'via', referring to the 'path' or 'way' through which something is sent.
- The Spanish verb mandar is a linguistic cousin to the English word 'mandate', as both share a root associated with giving a command.
Examples in context
- He de enviar estas cartas.I have to send these letters.This sentence shows how to use enviar to express necessity regarding letters.Tatoeba #10356329 by Seael, translation #1744766 by Amastan
- Quiero enviar un telegrama.I want to send a telegram.This sentence uses enviar to express a desire to send a telegram.Tatoeba #3039806 by marcelostockle, translation #3022552 by sharptoothed
- Tengo que enviar unos regalos.I have to send some presents.This sentence uses enviar to express the necessity of sending presents.Tatoeba #7410753 by arh, translation #12901250 by araneo
- Te enviaré el documento.I will send you the document.
- Por favor, remita la información necesaria.Please send the necessary information.
- Despacharé el paquete mañana.I will dispatch the package tomorrow.
- El gerente mandó un correo electrónico a todos los empleados.The manager sent an email to all employees.
- Envíame un mensaje cuando llegues.Send me a message when you arrive.
- Mi mamá me mandó un regalo.My mom sent me a gift.
- Envía la carta a mi dirección.Send the letter to my address.
- 40 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are talking about a work task at home.
- MaríaJavier, ¿puedes enviar el informe hoy?Javier, can you send the report today?
- JavierSí, María, lo voy a enviar esta tarde.Yes, María, I am going to send it this afternoon.
- MaríaPerfecto, el jefe espera enviar la respuesta pronto.Perfect, the boss expects to send the response soon.
- JavierNo te preocupes, lo enviaré sin falta.Don't worry, I will send it without fail.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry enviar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries enviar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
