ordenar
Lemma Details
Translation: to order; to arrange; to organize; to tidy up; to command; to ordain
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Derived from Latin 'ordinare' meaning 'to put in order, arrange', which comes from 'ordo' (order, rank). The English words 'order', 'ordain', and 'ordinal' share this same Latin root. The connection between arranging things physically and giving commands is preserved in both Spanish and English, showing how authority and organization are conceptually linked.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Por favor, ordena tu habitación.
Please, tidy up your room.
El jefe me ordenó terminar el proyecto hoy.
The boss ordered me to finish the project today.
Me gustaría ordenar una pizza, por favor.
I would like to order a pizza, please.
Necesito ordenar estos documentos alfabéticamente.
I need to arrange these documents alphabetically.
El obispo ordenó a tres sacerdotes ayer.
The bishop ordained three priests yesterday.
Mnemonics
- Think of putting things 'in order' to remember 'ordenar'
- Imagine a military officer giving 'orders' (ordenar) to arrange troops in neat rows
- Connect to English 'orderly' (ordenado) to remember the meaning of tidying up
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spain, 'ordenador' (derived from 'ordenar') is the word for computer, while in Latin America 'computadora' is more common. This reflects the computer's function of organizing information. In religious contexts, 'ordenar' can refer to ordaining priests, similar to English.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both can mean 'to order' in the context of requesting items (like in a restaurant), 'ordenar' has a more formal or commanding tone, while 'pedir' is more about asking or requesting.
Notes: In many Latin American countries, 'pedir' is more commonly used for ordering food, while 'ordenar' in this context sounds more formal or influenced by English.
Mnemonic: 'Ordenar' connects to 'order' (command), while 'pedir' connects to 'petition' (request).
Explanation: 'Ordenar' focuses on putting things in order or tidying up, while 'organizar' emphasizes planning, coordinating, or arranging events/activities.
Notes: There is significant overlap between these terms, but 'organizar' tends to be used for more complex arrangements requiring planning.
Mnemonic: Think of 'ordenar' for ordering physical objects, 'organizar' for organizing events or systems.