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A2 verb #1,500 most common 6 min read

ejecutar

Top 1,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips ejecutar in 30 Seconds

Explanation ejecutar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you likely won't use 'ejecutar' often. You will mostly use 'hacer' (to do/make). However, you might see 'ejecutar' on a computer screen. If you see a button that says 'Ejecutar', it means 'Run' or 'Start'. It is a formal way to say 'start the process'. You can think of it as a special word for technology. For example, 'Ejecutar el programa' means 'Run the program'. At this stage, just recognize it as a command to start something technical.

At the A2 level, you start to distinguish between general actions and specific tasks. 'Ejecutar' is used when you follow a plan or a set of instructions. It's common in work environments. Instead of just saying 'hacer el plan', you say 'ejecutar el plan' to sound more professional. You also use it for playing musical instruments in a formal way. It's a regular verb, so it's easy to conjugate: yo ejecuto, tú ejecutas, él ejecuta. It helps you talk about your job and technology more accurately.

In B1, 'ejecutar' becomes a key part of your professional vocabulary. You use it to describe project management and technical operations. You understand that 'ejecutar una tarea' implies a sense of duty and completion. You also begin to see it in legal or administrative contexts, like 'ejecutar un contrato' (to execute/enforce a contract). You can distinguish it from 'realizar' (to perform/carry out) by noting that 'ejecutar' often involves a pre-existing set of rules or code.

At the B2 level, you use 'ejecutar' with nuance. You understand its use in the arts (performing a piece with technical mastery) and in law (enforcing a sentence or a mortgage). You are comfortable using it in the passive voice ('el plan fue ejecutado') and in complex sentences. You also know that in some contexts, it can mean capital punishment, and you use it carefully. You avoid using 'correr' for software, preferring the more correct 'ejecutar'.

At C1, you appreciate the stylistic weight of 'ejecutar'. You use it to describe the precision of an athlete's movement or the flawless delivery of a speech. You understand the historical and etymological roots (from Latin 'exsequi') and how that influences its modern meaning of 'following through to the end'. You can use it metaphorically and in highly formal writing, such as academic papers or legal briefs, where precision in terminology is paramount.

At the C2 level, 'ejecutar' is a tool for precision. You use it to discuss the philosophy of action, the mechanics of law, and the intricacies of high-level programming or artistic performance. You can identify subtle differences between 'ejecutar', 'perpetrar', 'consumar', and 'llevar a cabo'. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, using the word to convey authority, technical expertise, or artistic critique with perfect register and context.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

ejecutar in 30 Seconds

Ejecutar means to carry out a plan or run a program.
It is more formal and precise than the verb 'hacer'.
Commonly used in business, IT, music, and law.
It is a regular -ar verb in all its conjugations.

The verb ejecutar is a powerful and versatile word in Spanish that moves beyond the simple act of 'doing' (hacer). At its core, it implies a transition from a thought, a command, or a digital instruction into a tangible reality. While an English speaker might immediately think of 'execution' in a legal or terminal sense, in Spanish, the word is most frequently encountered in professional, technical, and artistic contexts. It suggests a level of precision and completion that 'hacer' lacks.

Professional Context: In business, you don't just 'do' a plan; you execute it. This implies following a strategy to its conclusion.
Technical/IT Context: When a computer 'runs' a program or a script, the Spanish term is 'ejecutar un programa'.

Es necesario ejecutar el plan de marketing antes del lunes.

Historically, the word derives from the Latin 'exsequi', meaning to follow to the end. This 'following through' is the semantic bridge between all its modern uses. Whether it is a musician 'executing' a difficult sonata or a judge 'executing' a sentence, the underlying theme is the fulfillment of a predetermined requirement. It is a word of action, but action guided by rules or blueprints.

El pianista ejecutó la pieza con una maestría increíble.

Legal Nuance: In law, it refers to the enforcement of a judicial order, such as 'ejecutar una sentencia' (to carry out a sentence).

For an A2 learner, the most important takeaway is that 'ejecutar' is the standard word for 'running' software or 'carrying out' a specific, formal task. While 'hacer' is your multi-tool, 'ejecutar' is your precision instrument. It signals to the listener that you are speaking about a structured process rather than a casual activity.

Haz clic aquí para ejecutar el archivo instalador.

Using ejecutar correctly requires understanding its collocations—the words it naturally hangs out with. Unlike 'hacer', which can take almost any noun as an object, 'ejecutar' is picky. It prefers objects that represent plans, commands, music, or digital processes. When you use it, you are emphasizing the 'how' and the 'completion' of the task.

With Software: Always use 'ejecutar' for running applications. 'Correr un programa' is a common anglicism, but 'ejecutar' is the proper Spanish term.

No puedo ejecutar la aplicación porque falta un archivo.

In musical contexts, 'ejecutar' describes the physical act of playing an instrument or a specific piece of music, often highlighting the technical skill involved. It is more formal than 'tocar'. If a critic says a violinist 'ejecutó' a concerto, they are commenting on the precision of the performance.

In Business: Use it when discussing project phases. 'La fase de ejecución' (the execution phase) is where the real work happens after the planning phase.

El equipo debe ejecutar las tareas asignadas con rapidez.

Another common use is in the context of 'ejecutar una orden' (to carry out an order). This is frequent in military or highly hierarchical corporate environments. It suggests obedience and exactness. If you are told to execute an order, there is no room for creative interpretation; you must do exactly what was commanded.

El soldado ejecutó la orden sin cuestionarla.

You will encounter ejecutar in several distinct environments, each giving the word a slightly different flavor. Understanding these environments helps you decode the speaker's intent immediately.

The Tech World: In software tutorials, error messages, and coding documentation. 'Error al ejecutar el script' is a phrase every Spanish-speaking developer knows well.

¿Desea ejecutar este programa como administrador?

In the corporate office, during strategy meetings, you'll hear managers talk about 'ejecutar la estrategia'. Here, it sounds professional and decisive. It’s the language of leadership and results. If a company fails, they might say 'tuvimos una buena idea, pero fallamos al ejecutarla' (we had a good idea, but we failed to execute it).

The Arts: In classical music reviews or dance critiques. It refers to the technical performance of a piece. 'La bailarina ejecutó un pirueta perfecta'.

La orquesta va a ejecutar la Quinta Sinfonía de Beethoven.

Finally, in the news, you might hear it in a legal or somber context. 'Ejecutar una hipoteca' (to foreclose on a mortgage) or, unfortunately, in reports about capital punishment ('ejecutar a un prisionero'). The context will always make the meaning clear.

El banco decidió ejecutar el aval para cobrar la deuda.

Even advanced learners sometimes stumble with ejecutar. The most common pitfall is 'over-translation' from English or using it in contexts where a simpler verb is required.

The 'Hacer' Trap: Don't use 'ejecutar' for simple daily tasks. Saying 'Voy a ejecutar la cena' sounds like you are a robot or a hitman. Use 'Voy a hacer la cena'.

Incorrecto: Ejecuté mi tarea de español.
Correcto: Hice mi tarea de español.

Another mistake is confusing 'ejecutar' with 'realizar'. While they are often synonyms, 'realizar' is more general (to carry out/to make real), whereas 'ejecutar' specifically implies following a plan or command. If you 'realizar' a dream, you make it come true. If you 'ejecutar' a dream, it sounds like you are carrying out a programmed sequence.

Anglicisms: Avoid 'correr' for software. While 'correr un programa' is understood due to English influence, 'ejecutar' is the standard, professional term in all Spanish-speaking countries.

Para instalar el juego, debes ejecutar el archivo .exe.

Spanish has several verbs that mean 'to do' or 'to carry out'. Choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and the nature of the task.

Realizar: The most common professional synonym. It is broader than 'ejecutar'. You 'realizar' an investigation, a project, or a dream.
Llevar a cabo: A phrasal verb meaning 'to carry out'. It is very common in journalism and formal speech. 'Llevaron a cabo el experimento'.
Cumplir: Focuses on the obligation. 'Cumplir una promesa' (to keep a promise) or 'cumplir una orden' (to obey an order).

Comparación:
1. Hacer (General)
2. Ejecutar (Technical/Precise)
3. Realizar (Formal/General)

In summary, while 'hacer' is your everyday verb, 'ejecutar' is for when the stakes are higher, the instructions are specific, or the environment is technical. Mastering this distinction will make your Spanish sound significantly more natural and professional.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Regular -ar verb conjugation

Passive 'se' construction

Infinitive after modal verbs

Direct object pronouns with ejecutar

Prepositional usage (ejecutar por...)

Examples by Level

Haz clic para ejecutar.

Click to run.

Infinitive used as a command.

Yo ejecuto el juego.

I run the game.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

¿Cómo ejecutar este archivo?

How to run this file?

Interrogative with infinitive.

Él ejecuta el programa.

He runs the program.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

No podemos ejecutar el video.

We cannot run the video.

Negative with modal verb 'poder'.

Ejecutar ahora.

Run now.

Infinitive used as a label.

Ellos ejecutan la música.

They play the music.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

Tú ejecutas la orden.

You carry out the order.

Present tense, 2nd person singular.

Debemos ejecutar el plan mañana.

We must execute the plan tomorrow.

Periphrasis 'deber + infinitive'.

El pianista ejecutó la canción.

The pianist performed the song.

Preterite tense, 3rd person singular.

Es fácil ejecutar esta tarea.

It is easy to carry out this task.

Adjective + infinitive.

Ella está ejecutando el código.

She is running the code.

Present progressive.

El jefe quiere ejecutar la idea.

The boss wants to carry out the idea.

Verb 'querer' + infinitive.

Ejecutamos el proyecto con éxito.

We carried out the project successfully.

Preterite tense, 1st person plural.

¿Quieres ejecutar el comando?

Do you want to run the command?

Question with 'querer'.

El sistema ejecuta el proceso.

The system runs the process.

Present tense.

El gobierno ejecutará nuevas leyes.

The government will implement new laws.

Future tense.

Si tuviera tiempo, ejecutaría el plan.

If I had time, I would execute the plan.

Conditional mood.

Han ejecutado la orden perfectamente.

They have carried out the order perfectly.

Present perfect.

Es importante que ejecutes el programa.

It is important that you run the program.

Present subjunctive.

El software se ejecuta automáticamente.

The software runs automatically.

Reflexive 'se' for passive meaning.

No ejecutaron la garantía a tiempo.

They didn't execute the warranty on time.

Negative preterite.

Estamos listos para ejecutar la fase dos.

We are ready to execute phase two.

Preposition 'para' + infinitive.

El músico ejecutó un solo increíble.

The musician performed an incredible solo.

Preterite tense.

La sentencia se ejecutará el lunes.

The sentence will be carried out on Monday.

Passive 'se' with future tense.

Ejecutar un instrumento requiere práctica.

Playing an instrument requires practice.

Infinitive as a noun subject.

El banco ejecutó la hipoteca de la casa.

The bank foreclosed on the house mortgage.

Specific financial terminology.

Dudo que ejecuten el proyecto este año.

I doubt they will carry out the project this year.

Subjunctive after 'dudar'.

Fue ejecutado por sus crímenes.

He was executed for his crimes.

Passive voice (ser + participle).

La empresa falló al ejecutar la estrategia.

The company failed to execute the strategy.

Infinitive after preposition 'al'.

Ejecuta las instrucciones al pie de la letra.

Carry out the instructions to the letter.

Imperative mood.

El script se ejecuta en el servidor.

The script runs on the server.

Technical context.

La maestría con la que ejecutó la obra fue sublime.

The mastery with which he performed the work was sublime.

Relative clause.

Resulta imperativo ejecutar las reformas.

It is imperative to carry out the reforms.

Formal structure 'Resulta + adjective'.

El algoritmo se ejecuta en milisegundos.

The algorithm executes in milliseconds.

Technical precision.

No basta con planear, hay que ejecutar.

Planning is not enough, one must execute.

Impersonal 'hay que'.

Ejecutaron el aval ante el impago.

They called in the guarantee upon non-payment.

Financial/Legal context.

La bailarina ejecutó un 'grand jeté' perfecto.

The dancer performed a perfect 'grand jeté'.

Artistic terminology.

Se procedió a ejecutar la orden judicial.

They proceeded to carry out the court order.

Formal 'se' impersonal.

La precisión al ejecutar el tiro fue clave.

The precision in executing the shot was key.

Sports context.

La frialdad con la que ejecutó el plan asombró a todos.

The coldness with which he executed the plan amazed everyone.

Complex noun phrase.

El código se ejecuta en un entorno virtualizado.

The code runs in a virtualized environment.

Advanced technical context.

Ejecutar la voluntad del difunto es un deber sagrado.

Executing the will of the deceased is a sacred duty.

Formal/Literary tone.

La orquesta ejecutó la pieza con una pulcritud técnica inigualable.

The orchestra performed the piece with unparalleled technical neatness.

High-level artistic critique.

El reo fue ejecutado al amanecer.

The prisoner was executed at dawn.

Historical/Legal context.

Es necesario ejecutar un análisis pormenorizado.

It is necessary to carry out a detailed analysis.

Academic register.

La capacidad de ejecutar bajo presión define al líder.

The ability to execute under pressure defines the leader.

Philosophical/Management context.

El programa se ejecutó sin mediar palabra.

The program ran without a word being said.

Idiomatic expression 'sin mediar palabra'.

Synonyms

realizar llevar a cabo cumplir desempeñar accionar tramitar procesar tocar

Antonyms

abandonar cancelar detener incumplir

Common Collocations

ejecutar un plan

ejecutar una orden

ejecutar un programa

ejecutar una sentencia

ejecutar un instrumento

ejecutar una tarea

ejecutar un comando

ejecutar una hipoteca

ejecutar una obra

ejecutar un presupuesto

Common Phrases

Ejecutar a la perfección

Fase de ejecución

Poder ejecutivo

Ejecutar un pago

Ejecutar un contrato

Ejecutar una acción

Ejecutar un script

Ejecutar una rutina

Ejecutar un castigo

Ejecutar un movimiento

Often Confused With

ejecutar vs hacer

ejecutar vs realizar

ejecutar vs correr

Idioms & Expressions

"Ejecutar al pie de la letra"

"Manos a la obra para ejecutar"

"Ejecutar por la vía rápida"

"Ejecutar sin mirar atrás"

"Ejecutar con mano de hierro"

"Ejecutar el golpe de gracia"

"Ejecutar una jugada maestra"

"Ejecutar en tiempo récord"

"Ejecutar a sangre fría"

"Ejecutar la última voluntad"

Easily Confused

ejecutar vs correr

ejecutar vs perpetrar

ejecutar vs tocar

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

music

Standard for 'perform' technically.

computing

Standard for 'run'.

Common Mistakes

Using it for daily chores.
Saying 'correr' for software.
Confusing it with 'perpetrar' (crimes).
Misspelling the 'j' as 'g'.
Using it without a direct object when one is needed.

Tips

Business Spanish

Use 'ejecutar' to sound more professional in meetings.

Regularity

Don't worry about stem changes; it's a simple -ar verb.

Software

Always use 'ejecutar' for running scripts or apps.

Performance

Use it to describe technical skill in music or dance.

Law

Recognize it in contexts of sentences or contracts.

Avoid Anglicisms

Try not to say 'correr un programa'.

Orders

Pair it with 'órdenes' or 'instrucciones'.

Formal Writing

It adds a layer of precision to your essays.

Context Clues

The object of the verb tells you the specific meaning.

Executive

Link it to the word 'Executive' to remember 'carry out'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of an 'Executive' (ejecutivo) who 'Executes' (ejecuta) a plan.

Word Origin

Cultural Context

Foreclosure is called 'ejecución hipotecaria'.

The executive branch is 'el poder ejecutivo'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"¿Cómo podemos ejecutar este plan mejor?"

"¿Has podido ejecutar el programa nuevo?"

"¿Qué instrumento te gusta ejecutar?"

"¿Es difícil ejecutar esta tarea solo?"

"¿Cuándo van a ejecutar las obras en la calle?"

Journal Prompts

Escribe sobre un plan que ejecutaste con éxito.

¿Qué programas ejecutas más en tu ordenador?

Describe cómo ejecutarías tu día perfecto.

¿Por qué es importante ejecutar las promesas?

Escribe sobre un músico que ejecute bien su instrumento.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, sounds very strange. Use 'hacer la comida'.

In a legal/capital punishment context, yes, but it is much more formal.

Ejecutar un programa.

Sí, es totalmente regular en todos los tiempos.

Sí, para 'ejecutar un tiro' o 'ejecutar un movimiento'.

La ejecución.

Sí, es muy común en contextos profesionales y técnicos.

Sí, especialmente en música clásica o técnica.

It means the bank is taking the house because of non-payment.

'Realizar' is more general; 'ejecutar' is for following specific plans.