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A1 verb #1,500 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

Mandar

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces Mandar en 30 secondes

Explication Mandar in your Level:

At the A1 beginner level, the verb 'mandar' is primarily introduced as a simple, highly useful action word meaning 'to send'. It is one of the first verbs learners encounter because of its necessity in daily communication, especially in the modern digital age. Beginners learn to conjugate 'mandar' in the present indicative tense, which follows the completely regular pattern for verbs ending in '-ar': eu mando, tu mandas, ele/ela/você manda, nós mandamos, vós mandais, eles/elas/vocês mandam. The focus at this stage is on basic transactional sentences. Learners practice constructing phrases like 'Eu mando uma mensagem' (I send a message) or 'Ele manda um email' (He sends an email). Vocabulary building at this level pairs 'mandar' with common nouns such as 'carta' (letter), 'foto' (photo), 'dinheiro' (money), and 'presente' (gift). Additionally, A1 learners are introduced to the basic prepositions needed to indicate the recipient of the sent item. The preposition 'para' is heavily emphasized, as it is the most common way to say 'to' in this context, especially in spoken Brazilian Portuguese. For example, 'Eu mando uma carta para a minha mãe' (I send a letter to my mother). Understanding that 'mandar' requires an object (what is being sent) and often a destination or recipient (who it is being sent to) forms the foundation of its syntactic use. Teachers at this level generally avoid the secondary meaning of 'to order' or 'to command', as it introduces complex power dynamics and advanced grammar structures like the subjunctive or causative infinitives. Instead, the goal is to ensure the student can comfortably describe the act of sending physical or digital items, a critical skill for basic survival and social interaction in a Portuguese-speaking environment. Repetition of common phrases, such as 'Me manda uma mensagem' (Send me a message), helps solidify the verb's practical application in everyday life.

At the A2 elementary level, the understanding of 'mandar' expands significantly. While learners continue to use it to mean 'to send', they begin to explore different tenses, particularly the preterite (past tense) to talk about things they have already sent. Conjugations like 'eu mandei' (I sent) and 'ele mandou' (he sent) become essential for recounting past events, such as 'Eu mandei o pacote ontem' (I sent the package yesterday). Furthermore, A2 learners are introduced to the second major definition of 'mandar': 'to order' or 'to command'. This is a critical step in understanding Portuguese social dynamics and household vocabulary. Students learn to construct sentences where 'mandar' is followed by an infinitive verb, creating a causative structure. For example, 'A mãe mandou limpar o quarto' (The mother ordered the room to be cleaned) or 'O professor mandou ler o texto' (The teacher ordered the text to be read). This structure is highly practical for describing everyday instructions and rules. At this stage, learners also practice using direct and indirect object pronouns with 'mandar' to make their speech more natural and less repetitive. Instead of saying 'Eu mandei a carta para o João', they learn to say 'Eu mandei-lhe a carta' (Portugal) or 'Eu mandei a carta pra ele' (Brazil). The distinction between 'mandar' (to order) and 'pedir' (to ask) is also explicitly taught at the A2 level to prevent learners from sounding unintentionally rude. They practice scenarios where a polite request ('pedir') is appropriate versus a direct command ('mandar'). Finally, common colloquial expressions begin to appear, such as 'mandar lembranças' (to send regards), allowing learners to participate in standard social pleasantries and greetings when ending conversations or writing basic letters.

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At the B1 intermediate level, learners are expected to handle 'mandar' with greater fluency and nuance, incorporating it into more complex grammatical structures and recognizing its idiomatic uses. A major focus at this level is the introduction of the subjunctive mood. When 'mandar' is used to give an order via a subordinate clause, it triggers the subjunctive. Learners practice sentences like 'O chefe mandou que nós terminássemos o projeto' (The boss ordered that we finish the project). This requires a solid grasp of both the present and imperfect subjunctive conjugations. Additionally, the causative use of 'mandar' (mandar + infinitive) is expanded to include services and professional tasks. B1 students learn to express 'having something done' by someone else, which is a very common structure in Portuguese. Phrases like 'Vou mandar consertar o carro' (I'm going to have the car fixed) or 'Ela mandou fazer um vestido' (She had a dress made) become part of their active vocabulary. Idiomatic expressions using 'mandar' also take center stage at the B1 level. Learners are introduced to popular slang, particularly in Brazilian Portuguese, such as 'mandar bem' (to do well/to rock at something) and 'mandar mal' (to do poorly/to mess up). Understanding these idioms is crucial for comprehending informal spoken Portuguese and integrating into casual social circles. The concept of authority embedded in 'mandar' is further explored through phrases like 'Quem manda aqui?' (Who is in charge here?). By the end of the B1 level, students should be able to seamlessly switch between 'mandar' as a simple verb of transmission, a causative verb for arranging services, a trigger for the subjunctive in commands, and a key component of everyday colloquialisms.

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At the B2 upper-intermediate level, the use of 'mandar' becomes highly sophisticated, reflecting a deep understanding of register, tone, and complex syntax. Learners at this stage are expected to use 'mandar' effortlessly across all tenses and moods, including the future subjunctive and compound tenses. They can construct complex hypothetical sentences, such as 'Se ele mandar o relatório a tempo, nós poderemos revisar' (If he sends the report on time, we will be able to review it). The B2 level also demands a precise understanding of the subtle differences between 'mandar' and its synonyms, such as 'enviar', 'remeter', 'ordenar', and 'exigir'. Learners know exactly when to use the formal 'enviar' in a professional email versus the casual 'mandar' in a text message. Furthermore, B2 students master the passive voice and impersonal constructions involving 'mandar'. They can understand and produce sentences like 'Foi mandado que todos saíssem' (It was ordered that everyone leave). The causative structure is refined to include explicit subjects for the infinitive verb, such as 'Mandei o mecânico consertar o carro' (I had the mechanic fix the car), demonstrating advanced control over sentence structure. Idiomatic usage is expanded to include more regional and specific expressions, such as 'mandar a real' (to tell the harsh truth) or 'mandar brasa' (to go for it/do something with energy). Learners at this level can also detect the subtle power dynamics and passive-aggressive tones that can be conveyed through the verb 'mandar' in workplace or social settings. They understand that using 'mandar' instead of 'pedir' in certain contexts is a deliberate choice to assert dominance or express frustration. Overall, B2 learners use 'mandar' not just to communicate facts, but to express attitude, arrange complex logistics, and navigate social hierarchies.

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At the C1 advanced level, learners possess a near-native command of the verb 'mandar', utilizing it with complete grammatical accuracy and deep sociolinguistic awareness. At this stage, the focus shifts from learning new rules to mastering the stylistic and rhetorical applications of the word. C1 learners effortlessly navigate highly complex sentence structures, including embedded clauses and mixed conditionals, where 'mandar' plays a central role. They can fluently use expressions like 'Manda quem pode, obedece quem tem juízo' (He who has power orders, he who has sense obeys), a common proverb that reflects the cultural weight of the verb. The understanding of register is impeccable; a C1 speaker knows exactly how to modulate their tone when using 'mandar' in a corporate boardroom versus a casual bar setting. They are fully aware of the regional variations in the use of prepositions and pronouns with 'mandar' (e.g., the preference for clitic pronouns like 'mandar-lhe' in Portugal versus the prepositional phrase 'mandar para ele' in Brazil). Furthermore, C1 learners can appreciate and utilize 'mandar' in literary and journalistic contexts, where it might be used metaphorically or rhetorically. They understand the nuances of phrases like 'mandar para o espaço' (to send to space/to get rid of something) or 'mandar às favas' (to tell someone to get lost). The verb is used dynamically to narrate stories, report speech, and express strong opinions. At this level, any errors with 'mandar' are extremely rare and usually consist of minor stylistic slips rather than grammatical misunderstandings. The learner's vocabulary is rich enough that they can intentionally choose 'mandar' over a synonym to create a specific emotional or authoritative impact, demonstrating true fluency and cultural integration.

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At the C2 mastery level, the learner's use of 'mandar' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. The verb is wielded with absolute precision, creativity, and an intuitive grasp of its historical and cultural resonances. C2 speakers can engage in deep linguistic analysis of the word, understanding its etymological roots and how its usage has evolved over time. They are comfortable with archaic or highly literary forms of 'mandar' that might appear in classic Portuguese literature, such as the works of Camões or Machado de Assis. In contemporary usage, they can invent new, context-specific metaphors using 'mandar' and have them perfectly understood by native peers. Their command of idioms is exhaustive, encompassing highly localized slang from various Portuguese-speaking regions, whether it's a specific expression from the favelas of Rio de Janeiro or the streets of Lisbon. C2 learners use 'mandar' to express the most subtle shades of meaning, irony, sarcasm, and authority. They can seamlessly integrate the verb into complex rhetorical devices, using it to persuade, command, or critique with elegance and force. The causative and subjunctive structures are entirely second nature, deployed without conscious thought even in rapid, high-pressure conversations or debates. At this pinnacle of language acquisition, 'mandar' is not just a vocabulary item; it is a versatile tool for shaping reality, managing relationships, and expressing the full spectrum of human intention and interaction within the Portuguese language framework.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

Mandar en 30 secondes

Means 'to send' (messages, packages).
Means 'to order' or 'command'.
Used in many slang expressions.
Follows regular '-ar' conjugation.

The Portuguese verb 'mandar' is one of the most versatile and frequently used verbs in the language, encompassing a wide array of meanings depending entirely on its context, syntactic structure, and the regional dialect of the speaker. At its most fundamental level, 'mandar' translates to the English verbs 'to send' and 'to order' or 'to command'. When used in the sense of 'to send', it functions as a direct equivalent to the verb 'enviar', though 'mandar' is significantly more common in everyday spoken Portuguese across both Brazil and Portugal. You can 'mandar uma carta' (send a letter), 'mandar um email' (send an email), or 'mandar uma mensagem' (send a message). In this context, it typically takes a direct object (the thing being sent) and an indirect object (the recipient), often introduced by the prepositions 'para' or 'a'.

Direct Meaning: To physically or digitally dispatch an item or piece of information to another person or location.

Eu vou mandar o pacote amanhã de manhã.

Beyond the physical act of sending, 'mandar' carries the strong authoritative meaning of 'to order', 'to command', or 'to have someone do something'. When a boss gives an instruction, or a parent tells a child to complete a chore, 'mandar' is the verb of choice. For example, 'O chefe mandou fazer o relatório' means 'The boss ordered the report to be done'.

Authoritative Meaning: To exercise authority by giving a direct command or instruction to a subordinate or peer.

A professora mandou os alunos lerem o livro.

Furthermore, 'mandar' is deeply embedded in Portuguese idiomatic expressions. The phrase 'mandar bem' is a colloquial way of saying someone did a great job or performed well at a task, while 'mandar mal' means the exact opposite.

Idiomatic Meaning: Used in slang to evaluate performance or to express dominance in a particular situation.

Você mandou muito bem na prova de matemática!

The versatility of 'mandar' extends to expressing power dynamics. The rhetorical question 'Quem manda aqui?' translates to 'Who is in charge here?' or 'Who calls the shots?'. This highlights the verb's connection to power, control, and hierarchy.

Nesta casa, quem manda sou eu.

Understanding 'mandar' requires recognizing that it is a highly regular verb ending in '-ar', making its conjugation straightforward for learners. However, its semantic breadth means learners must pay close attention to the surrounding words. If 'mandar' is followed by a noun like 'carta' or 'dinheiro', it almost certainly means 'to send'. If it is followed by an infinitive verb or a subordinate clause introduced by 'que', it almost certainly means 'to order' or 'to demand'.

Eles vão mandar consertar o carro amanhã.

This dual nature makes 'mandar' an essential building block for achieving fluency in Portuguese, bridging the gap between simple transactional language and complex expressions of authority and evaluation.

Using the verb 'mandar' correctly involves mastering its conjugation patterns, understanding its transitivity, and recognizing the prepositions it pairs with. As a regular '-ar' verb, its conjugation in the present indicative is highly predictable: eu mando, tu mandas, ele/ela/você manda, nós mandamos, vós mandais, eles/elas/vocês mandam. This regularity makes it accessible for A1 learners who are just beginning to form basic sentences.

Conjugation Pattern: Follows the standard rules for first-conjugation regular verbs in all tenses and moods.

Eu sempre mando flores no Dia das Mães.

When using 'mandar' to mean 'to send', you must consider the recipient. In Portuguese, the recipient is the indirect object. You can use the preposition 'para' (more common in Brazil and informal contexts) or 'a' (more common in Portugal and formal writing). For example, 'Mandei um presente para ela' or 'Mandei-lhe um presente'.

Preposition Usage: Use 'para' or 'a' to indicate the destination or recipient of the sent item.

Nós vamos mandar o convite para todos os amigos.

When 'mandar' is used to mean 'to order' or 'to have something done', it frequently acts as a causative verb. This means it is followed directly by an infinitive verb. For instance, 'mandar limpar' means 'to have [something] cleaned', and 'mandar fazer' means 'to have [something] made'. This is a crucial structure for expressing actions that you arrange for someone else to do, rather than doing yourself.

Causative Structure: Mandar + Infinitive indicates that the subject is causing another action to happen.

Vou mandar cortar o meu cabelo amanhã.

Another advanced but common usage involves the subjunctive mood. When you order someone to do something using a subordinate clause, you must use 'que' followed by the present subjunctive. For example, 'O médico mandou que eu ficasse em casa' (The doctor ordered that I stay home). This structure emphasizes the command and the necessity of the action.

A lei manda que todos paguem impostos.

Finally, in informal contexts, particularly in Brazil, 'mandar' is used with abstract nouns to express sending greetings or feelings. You can 'mandar um abraço' (send a hug) or 'mandar beijos' (send kisses). This is a standard way to end a conversation or a message.

Mande um abraço para a sua família por mim!

Mastering these different syntactic environments—direct objects, prepositions, infinitives, and the subjunctive—will allow you to use 'mandar' with native-like fluency.

The verb 'mandar' is ubiquitous in the Portuguese-speaking world, echoing through corporate offices, bustling family homes, casual street conversations, and digital communication platforms. Its high frequency is due to its dual utility: managing logistics (sending things) and managing people (giving orders). In a professional or workplace environment, 'mandar' is heard constantly. Colleagues will ask, 'Você já mandou o relatório?' (Have you sent the report yet?). Managers will use it to delegate tasks, saying, 'Mandei a equipe revisar os dados' (I ordered the team to review the data).

Workplace Context: Used for emails, documents, and delegating responsibilities among staff.

Por favor, mande o arquivo em formato PDF.

In the domestic sphere, 'mandar' is the language of parenting and household management. Parents use it to instruct their children, often in the imperative form. 'Vá arrumar o quarto, estou mandando!' (Go clean your room, I'm ordering you!). It is also used when arranging household services, such as 'mandar consertar a geladeira' (having the fridge fixed).

Domestic Context: Used for parental commands and organizing home repairs or chores.

A mãe mandou você lavar a louça agora.

In digital and social contexts, 'mandar' is the default verb for messaging apps like WhatsApp. 'Me manda um zap' (Send me a WhatsApp message) or 'Manda áudio' (Send an audio message) are phrases heard dozens of times a day in Brazil. The verb has seamlessly adapted to the digital age, replacing older contexts like sending letters.

Digital Context: The primary verb for texting, direct messaging, and sharing digital media.

Me manda a localização do restaurante pelo celular.

You will also hear 'mandar' extensively in sports and entertainment. A football coach might 'mandar o time recuar' (order the team to fall back). In music, a singer might shout 'Manda brasa!' to the band, an idiom meaning 'Go for it!' or 'Play with energy!'.

O treinador mandou o jogador entrar em campo.

Finally, in informal street slang, 'mandar' is used to describe executing a move or saying something impactful. A skater might 'mandar uma manobra' (execute a trick), or someone might 'mandar a real' (tell the harsh truth). This dynamic, action-oriented usage showcases the verb's evolution from a simple word for 'sending' into a dynamic marker of action and execution in modern Portuguese.

Ele mandou a real sobre a situação da empresa.

While 'mandar' is a regular and highly common verb, learners frequently stumble over its nuances, particularly when choosing between 'mandar', 'enviar', and 'pedir', or when navigating its prepositional requirements. One of the most prevalent mistakes is confusing 'mandar' (to order) with 'pedir' (to ask). English speakers often translate 'I asked him to do it' as 'Eu mandei ele fazer isso'. However, 'mandar' implies authority and a command. If you want to politely request something, you must use 'pedir'. Using 'mandar' when you mean 'pedir' can make you sound rude, demanding, or arrogant.

Mandar vs. Pedir: 'Mandar' is a command; 'pedir' is a polite request. Do not mix them up in formal or polite contexts.

Incorreto: Eu mandei um favor a ele. (Correto: Eu pedi um favor a ele.)

Another common error involves the causative structure. In English, we say 'I had my car washed'. Learners often try to translate this literally or use the verb 'ter' (to have). The correct Portuguese structure uses 'mandar' + infinitive: 'Eu mandei lavar o meu carro'. Failing to use 'mandar' in these situations leads to unnatural or incorrect Portuguese.

Causative Errors: Avoid using 'ter' for services done by others; always use 'mandar' followed by the infinitive.

Eu mandei pintar a casa na semana passada.

Prepositional mistakes are also frequent. When sending something to someone, learners sometimes use 'por' instead of 'para'. 'Mandar por' means to send *via* or *through* a medium (e.g., 'mandar por correio' - send by mail), whereas 'mandar para' means to send *to* a destination or person.

Preposition Confusion: 'Para' indicates the recipient; 'por' indicates the method of delivery.

Vou mandar o pacote para você por sedex.

Furthermore, learners sometimes struggle with the subjunctive trigger. When saying 'I ordered him to leave', the correct form is 'Mandei que ele saísse' (using the imperfect subjunctive). Beginners often mistakenly use the indicative: 'Mandei que ele saiu', which is grammatically incorrect.

O juiz mandou que o réu ficasse em silêncio.

Finally, overusing 'enviar' in casual conversation is a stylistic mistake. While 'enviar' is perfectly correct for 'to send', it sounds overly formal in everyday speech. Native speakers overwhelmingly prefer 'mandar' for texts, casual emails, and small items.

Me manda uma mensagem quando chegar em casa.

By paying attention to these distinctions—especially the difference between ordering and asking, and the correct use of prepositions—learners can significantly improve the naturalness and accuracy of their Portuguese.

The Portuguese language offers several synonyms and related verbs for 'mandar', each carrying distinct nuances in formality, intensity, and specific usage. Understanding these similar words helps learners choose the most appropriate vocabulary for any given situation. The most direct synonym for 'mandar' in the sense of 'to send' is 'enviar'. 'Enviar' is slightly more formal and is frequently used in written communication, business contexts, and official documents. While you might 'mandar' a WhatsApp message to a friend, you would 'enviar' a formal proposal to a client.

Enviar: A formal synonym for sending, preferred in professional and written contexts.

Favor enviar os documentos assinados em anexo.

Another related word is 'remeter', which also means to send or forward, but is highly formal and often restricted to legal, postal, or administrative jargon. You will see 'remetente' (sender) on envelopes, derived from this verb.

Remeter: Highly formal, used for forwarding official items or in postal terminology.

O tribunal decidiu remeter o processo à instância superior.

When 'mandar' is used in the sense of 'to order' or 'to command', its closest synonym is 'ordenar'. 'Ordenar' is explicit and unambiguous; it leaves no room for interpretation. While 'mandar' can sometimes just mean 'to have something done', 'ordenar' strictly means issuing a direct, authoritative command.

Ordenar: To issue a strict command or order, emphasizing authority and compliance.

O general decidiu ordenar o avanço das tropas.

'Exigir' (to demand) is another related concept. While 'mandar' focuses on the act of giving the instruction, 'exigir' focuses on the expectation of compliance and the right to ask for it.

O cliente passou a exigir um reembolso imediato.

Finally, as mentioned in the common mistakes section, 'pedir' (to ask/request) is often contrasted with 'mandar'. It is crucial to view 'pedir' as the polite alternative to the authoritative 'mandar'. By mastering this spectrum of words—from the polite 'pedir', to the everyday 'mandar', the formal 'enviar', and the strict 'ordenar'—you gain precise control over the tone and intent of your Portuguese communication.

Em vez de mandar, você deveria pedir com educação.

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Present Subjunctive (triggered by commands)

Direct and Indirect Object Pronouns

Causative Verbs (Fazer, Mandar, Deixar)

Imperative Mood (Commands)

Prepositions of movement/direction (para, a)

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Exemples par niveau

Eu mando uma carta para a minha avó.

I send a letter to my grandmother.

Present tense, 1st person singular. Uses preposition 'para'.

Você manda uma mensagem de texto?

Do you send a text message?

Present tense, 2nd/3rd person singular. Direct object 'uma mensagem'.

Ele manda um email para o chefe.

He sends an email to the boss.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

Nós mandamos flores no aniversário dela.

We send flowers on her birthday.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

Eles mandam muito dinheiro para casa.

They send a lot of money home.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

Eu não mando fotos pelo celular.

I don't send photos by cell phone.

Negative sentence in the present tense.

Ela manda um presente para o amigo.

She sends a gift to the friend.

Basic SVO structure with indirect object.

Me manda o link, por favor.

Send me the link, please.

Informal imperative using object pronoun 'me'.

Eu mandei o pacote ontem de manhã.

I sent the package yesterday morning.

Preterite (past) tense, 1st person singular.

A professora mandou os alunos lerem o livro.

The teacher ordered the students to read the book.

Preterite tense used as a command (causative).

Nós mandamos consertar a televisão quebrada.

We had the broken television fixed.

Causative structure: mandar + infinitive (consertar).

Você já mandou o convite da festa?

Have you already sent the party invitation?

Preterite tense in a question with 'já' (already).

O médico mandou ele ficar na cama.

The doctor ordered him to stay in bed.

Command structure with infinitive.

Ela mandou lembranças para toda a família.

She sent regards to the whole family.

Common fixed expression 'mandar lembranças'.

Eu vou mandar uma mensagem mais tarde.

I will send a message later.

Future phrasing using 'ir' + infinitive 'mandar'.

Eles mandaram parar a música.

They ordered the music to stop.

Preterite plural used as a command.

O chefe mandou que todos chegassem cedo.

The boss ordered that everyone arrive early.

Triggers the imperfect subjunctive 'chegassem'.

Você mandou muito bem na apresentação de hoje!

You did really well in today's presentation!

Idiomatic expression 'mandar bem' (to do well).

Se eu fosse você, não mandaria esse email agora.

If I were you, I wouldn't send that email now.

Conditional tense 'mandaria'.

Mandei fazer um terno sob medida para o casamento.

I had a custom suit made for the wedding.

Causative structure for professional services.

Quem manda nesta casa sou eu!

I am the one who is in charge in this house!

Expression of authority 'quem manda'.

Eles mandaram mal ao escolher aquele restaurante.

They messed up by choosing that restaurant.

Idiomatic expression 'mandar mal' (to do poorly).

Espero que ela mande o dinheiro amanhã.

I hope she sends the money tomorrow.

Present subjunctive 'mande' triggered by 'espero que'.

Ele foi mandado embora da empresa na semana passada.

He was fired from the company last week.

Passive voice idiom 'ser mandado embora' (to be fired).

É imperativo que o governo mande recursos para a região afetada.

It is imperative that the government send resources to the affected region.

Formal subjunctive usage triggered by 'É imperativo que'.

Assim que você mandar os documentos, iniciaremos o processo.

As soon as you send the documents, we will start the process.

Future subjunctive 'mandar' triggered by 'Assim que'.

O diretor mandou o funcionário refazer todo o relatório.

The director ordered the employee to redo the entire report.

Complex causative with explicit subject for the infinitive.

Não adianta mandar indiretas, fale logo o que você quer.

It's no use dropping hints, just say what you want.

Idiom 'mandar indiretas' (to drop passive-aggressive hints).

A mercadoria foi mandada por via aérea para chegar mais rápido.

The merchandise was sent by air to arrive faster.

Passive voice construction 'foi mandada'.

Ele sempre quer mandar e desmandar no departamento.

He always wants to give orders and countermand them in the department.

Idiomatic pairing 'mandar e desmandar' (to have absolute control).

Mandei-lhe uma carta registrada para garantir o recebimento.

I sent him a registered letter to guarantee receipt.

Formal use of indirect object pronoun 'lhe'.

Vou mandar a real: esse projeto não tem futuro.

I'm going to tell the truth: this project has no future.

Slang 'mandar a real' (to tell the harsh truth).

O juiz mandou expedir o mandado de prisão imediatamente.

The judge ordered the arrest warrant to be issued immediately.

Legal/formal register using causative structure.

Manda quem pode, obedece quem tem juízo; essa é a regra aqui.

He who has power orders, he who has sense obeys; that's the rule here.

Classic Portuguese proverb illustrating power dynamics.

Eles mandaram a prudência às favas e investiram tudo na bolsa.

They threw caution to the wind and invested everything in the stock market.

Advanced idiom 'mandar às favas' (to throw away/dismiss).

Caso ele tivesse mandado o aviso prévio, não estaríamos nesta situação.

If he had sent the prior notice, we wouldn't be in this situation.

Pluperfect subjunctive 'tivesse mandado' in a conditional clause.

A oposição acusa o prefeito de mandar e desmandar na câmara municipal.

The opposition accuses the mayor of ruling with an iron fist in the city council.

Political context using 'mandar e desmandar'.

Foi-lhe mandado que mantivesse absoluto sigilo sobre a operação.

He was ordered to maintain absolute secrecy about the operation.

Highly formal passive construction with clitic pronoun.

A cantora mandou ver no palco e levantou a multidão.

The singer gave it her all on stage and hyped up the crowd.

Slang 'mandar ver' (to do something with great energy/success).

Ele mandou o adversário calar a boca em rede nacional.

He ordered his opponent to shut up on national television.

Direct, aggressive command structure.

O monarca, em sua infinita soberba, mandou erguer um palácio de mármore.

The monarch, in his infinite pride, ordered a marble palace to be erected.

Literary/historical register with causative structure.

Não me venha com desculpas esfarrapadas; mande a fatura e encerremos o assunto.

Don't come to me with lame excuses; send the invoice and let's close the matter.

Assertive, high-level professional communication.

A crítica literária mandou a nova obra do autor para o limbo do esquecimento.

The literary criticism consigned the author's new work to the limbo of oblivion.

Metaphorical usage of 'mandar para' (to consign to).

Seja lá o que os deuses mandarem, enfrentaremos com estoicismo.

Whatever the gods may send, we will face it with stoicism.

Future subjunctive 'mandarem' in a philosophical context.

O coronel mandava na região com mão de ferro, subjugando os camponeses.

The colonel ruled the region with an iron fist, subjugating the peasants.

Imperfect tense 'mandava' indicating continuous past authority.

Ele é um mero testa de ferro; quem manda de fato atua nos bastidores.

He is a mere figurehead; the one who actually calls the shots operates behind the scenes.

Sophisticated expression of hidden power dynamics.

Ao ver a insolência do subordinado, mandou-o passear sem pestanejar.

Seeing the subordinate's insolence, he told him to get lost without blinking an eye.

Idiom 'mandar passear' (to tell someone to get lost).

A missiva, outrora mandada com urgência, jazia agora inútil sobre a escrivaninha.

The missive, once sent with urgency, now lay useless on the desk.

Poetic/archaic vocabulary ('missiva', 'jazia') with past participle 'mandada'.

Collocations courantes

mandar uma mensagem

mandar um email

mandar fazer

mandar lembranças

mandar embora

mandar bem

mandar mal

mandar a real

mandar brasa

mandar prender

Phrases Courantes

Me manda um zap.

Quem manda aqui?

Mandei consertar o carro.

Manda ver!

Ele foi mandado embora.

Mande lembranças à sua família.

O que manda?

Mandar para o espaço.

Mandar às favas.

Mandar passear.

Souvent confondu avec

Mandar vs pedir

Mandar vs enviar

Mandar vs ter (in causative sense)

Expressions idiomatiques

"mandar bem"

"mandar mal"

"mandar a real"

"mandar brasa"

"mandar ver"

"mandar e desmandar"

"mandar passear"

"mandar às favas"

"mandar para o olho da rua"

"quem manda é o chefe"

Facile à confondre

Mandar vs

Structures de phrases

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Comment l'utiliser

note

The verb 'mandar' is a perfect example of how a single word can span the entire spectrum of formality, from strict legal commands to casual teenage slang. Context is everything.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'mandar' instead of 'pedir' when asking for a favor, sounding rude.
Translating 'I had my car washed' literally, instead of using 'mandei lavar o carro'.
Forgetting the subjunctive after 'mandar que' (e.g., saying 'mandou que ele fez' instead of 'fizesse').
Using 'mandar por' when meaning 'mandar para' (destination vs method).
Overusing the formal 'enviar' in casual text messages with friends.

Astuces

Causative Structure

Always use 'mandar' + infinitive when you arrange for someone else to do a service for you. Don't translate the English 'to have something done' literally. Use 'mandar cortar o cabelo' (to have your hair cut).

Pedir vs. Mandar

This is a crucial distinction for politeness. 'Pedir' is to request; 'mandar' is to command. If you are at a restaurant, you 'pede' the food, you don't 'manda' the waiter (unless you want to be very rude!).

Mandar Bem

Incorporate 'mandar bem' into your vocabulary to sound like a native. It's a fantastic, positive way to encourage friends or compliment their achievements. 'Você mandou muito bem!'

Para vs. Por

Remember: 'mandar PARA' indicates the destination or recipient (send TO). 'Mandar POR' indicates the method of delivery (send BY). 'Mandei para você por email'.

Nasal Vowel

Pay attention to the first syllable 'man-'. The 'a' followed by 'n' creates a nasal sound in Portuguese. Practice making the sound resonate in your nose, not just your mouth.

Formal Emails

If you are writing a cover letter or a formal business email, swap 'mandar' for 'enviar'. It elevates your writing and shows respect for the professional register.

Manda Brasa

Use 'manda brasa' or 'manda ver' when you want to tell someone to 'go for it' or 'give it your all'. It's highly informal but very common in motivational contexts.

Subjunctive Trigger

Memorize that 'mandar que' requires the subjunctive. This is a great way to practice your subjunctive conjugations. 'Mando que você faça' (I order that you do).

Me manda um zap

In Brazil, WhatsApp is universally called 'Zap' or 'WhatsApp'. The phrase 'Me manda um zap' is essential survival Portuguese for networking and making friends.

Direct and Indirect Objects

'Mandar' often takes two objects. What you send is the direct object, and who you send it to is the indirect object. Practice building full sentences: 'Eu mando (verb) a foto (DO) para ela (IO)'.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine a MAN DARting (MANDAR) across the room to SEND a message and ORDER a pizza.

Origine du mot

Latin

Contexte culturel

Similar to Portugal, but with local slang variations. 'Mandar uma boca' means to make a provocative remark.

In Brazil, 'mandar' is the default verb for texting and messaging. 'Mandar um beijo' (send a kiss) or 'mandar um abraço' (send a hug) are standard, warm ways to end a conversation.

In Portugal, 'enviar' is slightly more common in formal speech than in Brazil, but 'mandar' is still heavily used. The pronoun placement differs: 'mandei-lhe' (Portugal) vs 'mandei pra ele' (Brazil).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"Você já mandou aquela mensagem para o grupo?"

"Quem manda na sua casa, você ou seu cachorro?"

"Qual foi a última vez que você mandou muito bem em algo?"

"Você prefere mandar áudio ou texto?"

"O que seu chefe mandou você fazer hoje?"

Sujets d'écriture

Escreva sobre uma vez em que você 'mandou muito bem' em uma prova ou projeto.

Descreva o que você faria se pudesse mandar no seu país por um dia.

Liste três coisas que você precisa mandar por correio ou email esta semana.

Como você se sente quando alguém manda você fazer algo em vez de pedir?

Escreva uma mensagem que você gostaria de mandar para o seu 'eu' do passado.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Both mean 'to send'. 'Enviar' is more formal and is often used in written or professional contexts, like sending an official document. 'Mandar' is much more common in everyday spoken Portuguese, used for sending texts, emails, or small packages.

No, you should use 'pedir' (to ask/request) for favors. 'Mandar' means 'to order' or 'to command'. If you say 'Eu mandei ele me ajudar', it sounds like you forced or ordered him to help you, which can be considered rude.

'Mandar bem' is a very common informal expression, especially in Brazil, that means to do a great job, to succeed, or to perform well at something. For example, 'Você mandou bem na prova' means 'You did great on the test'.

In Portuguese, you use the causative structure 'mandar' + infinitive. You say 'Eu mandei consertar o meu carro'. This literally translates to 'I ordered to fix my car', which is the standard way to express having a service done by someone else.

Yes, when 'mandar' is used to give an order and is followed by the conjunction 'que', the verb in the following clause must be in the subjunctive mood. For example: 'O professor mandou que os alunos estudassem' (The teacher ordered that the students study).

It is a common idiomatic expression that means 'to be fired' from a job, or 'to be sent away'. For example, 'Ele foi mandado embora ontem' means 'He was fired yesterday'.

Yes, 'mandar' is a completely regular verb ending in '-ar'. It follows the standard conjugation rules for all tenses and moods without any stem changes or irregular endings.

In casual spoken Portuguese, especially in Brazil, you would say 'Me manda uma mensagem'. In more formal contexts or in Portugal, you might say 'Mande-me uma mensagem' or 'Envie-me uma mensagem'.

This phrase translates to 'Who is in charge here?' or 'Who calls the shots?'. It is used to ask who holds the authority or power in a specific situation or location.

In some slang contexts, yes. For example, 'mandar para o espaço' literally means 'to send to space', but idiomatically means to throw something away or get rid of it completely.

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Teste-toi 200 questions

writing

Write a simple sentence saying 'I send an email to the teacher'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Use present tense 'mando' and preposition 'para'.