despachar
Lemma Details
Translation: to dispatch; to send off; to deal with; to attend to; to serve; to sell; to dismiss; to fire; to expedite
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Derived from the Old Spanish 'despachar', which comes from the prefix 'des-' (indicating completion or reversal) and 'empachar' (to impede or hinder). The original meaning was 'to remove obstacles' or 'to free from impediments', which evolved into the modern sense of handling matters quickly and efficiently. The English cognate 'dispatch' shares the same Latin roots, both conveying the idea of sending something away promptly.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El cartero despacha las cartas cada mañana.
The mailman dispatches the letters every morning.
La secretaria despachó todos los asuntos pendientes.
The secretary dealt with all pending matters.
El dependiente despacha a los clientes con rapidez.
The clerk serves customers quickly.
El jefe lo despachó después de años de mal trabajo.
The boss fired him after years of poor work.
Despacharon toda la mercancía en una semana.
They sold all the merchandise in a week.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'dispatch' in English, which sounds similar and has related meanings.
- Remember 'des-' (away) + 'pachar' (similar to 'patch' in English) – like sending away a patched-up package.
- Visualize a desk ('despacho' in Spanish) where you quickly handle and send off papers.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'despachar' is commonly used in retail contexts when serving customers. It's also frequently used in professional settings to refer to handling paperwork or administrative tasks. In some Latin American countries, it can informally mean to eat or consume something quickly.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Despachar' is the verb (to dispatch, to attend to), while 'despacho' is the noun meaning 'office' or 'dispatch'.
Notes: 'Despacho' can also mean the act of dispatching something, not just an office.
Mnemonic: 'Despachar' ends with '-ar' like many Spanish verbs, while 'despacho' is the place or result.
Explanation: 'Despachar' means to dispatch or handle quickly, while 'despacio' is an adverb meaning 'slowly' or 'carefully'.
Confused word:
Habla despacio, por favor.
Speak slowly, please.
Notes: The similar sounds but opposite meanings can cause confusion for learners.
Mnemonic: Despite sounding similar, 'despachar' (dispatch) suggests speed, while 'despacio' means the opposite: slowly.
Explanation: While 'despachar' can mean 'to fire/dismiss' in some contexts, 'despedir' is more specifically used for firing employees or saying goodbye.
Notes: In some regions, both can be used to mean 'to fire someone', but 'despedir' is more common for this meaning.
Mnemonic: 'Despedir' focuses on parting ways (with people), while 'despachar' has broader applications.