dirigir

Dirigir is a Spanish verb that means to direct, guide, lead, or manage. It is used to describe directing actions, projects, organizations, or works of art, such as directing a company, directing a project, directing a film, or directing an orchestra. It can also mean to address or send a message to someone, as in dirigir una carta, or to turn one’s attention toward someone when speaking, as in dirigirse a alguien.

Etymology: the word derives from Latin dirigere, meaning to set in order, guide, or direct.

Conjugation: Dirigir is a regular -gir verb with a distinctive first-person present singular: yo dirijo. Present: dirijo, diriges, dirige, dirigimos, dirigís, dirigen. Preterite: dirigí, dirigiste, dirigió, dirigimos, dirigisteis, dirigieron. Imperfect: dirigía, dirigías, dirigía, dirigíamos, dirigíais, dirigían. Subjunctive: dirija, dirijas, dirija, dirijamos, dirijáis, dirijan. Gerund: dirigiendo; past participle: dirigido. Imperative: dirige, dirija, dirijamos, dirigid, dirijan.

Usage notes: In organizational or artistic contexts, dirigir conveys leadership, management, or production oversight (dirigir una empresa, dirigir una película, dirigir una orquesta). In communication, dirigirse a alguien means to address or speak to them. It is distinct from conducir (to drive) and guiar (to guide in a more general sense). Related verbs include guiar, mandar, administrar, supervisar.