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noun

el comando

commando

Orden que una persona da a otra para que haga algo.

Definition & meaning

Comando is a masculine Spanish noun: el comando, plural los comandos.

It has several related meanings:

  1. Command or order
    An instruction given by someone with authority.

    • El comando del general fue claro. — “The general’s command was clear.”

  2. Command or control authority
    The power or position of directing people, especially in a military or organizational context.

    • El capitán asumió el comando de la operación. — “The captain took command of the operation.”

  3. Commando or small military unit
    A specially trained group of soldiers assigned to a particular mission.

    • Un comando realizó la misión durante la noche. — “A commando carried out the mission during the night.”

  4. Computer command
    An instruction entered into a computer or software system.

    • Escribe este comando en la terminal. — “Type this command in the terminal.”

In some Spanish-speaking regions, comando can also refer to a control device, though mando is more commonly used for a remote control.

Grammar & Word origin

  • Gender: masculine
  • Singular: comando
  • Plural: comandos
  • Related verb: comandar , “to command” or “to lead”

The word comes through Italian comando from a form related to Latin commendare, “to entrust” or “to recommend.” Its modern meanings developed around the ideas of giving authority, directing others, and carrying out an assigned mission.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

  • orden — “order” or “command”; emphasizes the instruction itself rather than the authority behind it.
  • mando — “command” or “authority”; usually emphasizes control or leadership.
  • instrucción — “instruction”; more neutral and often used for practical or technical directions.
  • tropa de élite — “elite troop”; describes a specialized military group, but is broader than comando.
  • unidad especial — “special unit”; a general term for a specially trained military or security group.

Antonyms

There is no single exact antonym for all meanings of comando. Depending on the context, possible opposites include:

  • desobediencia — “disobedience,” the failure to follow a command.
  • subordinación — “subordination,” a position under someone else’s authority, contrasting with having command.
  • obediencia — “obedience”; this is not a strict antonym, but it represents following a command rather than giving one.

Common phrases & collocations

  • dar un comando — to give a command
  • recibir un comando — to receive a command
  • asumir el comando — to take command
  • estar al comando de — to be in command of
  • comando militar — military command or commando unit
  • comando especial — special commando unit
  • línea de comandos — command line
  • comando de voz — voice command

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Examples

Tras largas horas de espera, llegó finalmente el comando con refuerzos.noun

After long hours of waiting, the commando finally arrived with reinforcements.

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