encàrrec

Encàrrec is a noun in Catalan that denotes an assignment, commission, or order given by a client to a person or company to create a product or provide a service. It typically implies an agreed result, a price, and a deadline, and is used across contexts such as art, crafts, publishing, and commerce.

The term originates in Catalan and is cognate with the Spanish encargo. It belongs to a family of words that describe tasks or orders issued to professionals or firms, often involving the production of a custom item or the performance of a service.

In usage, encàrrec can refer to both tangible products and professional services. For example, a patron might place an encàrrec with a sculptor to produce a sculpture, or with a printer to publish a limited edition book. It can describe personal commissions, commercial projects, or artistic patronage, and may imply a formal arrangement between client and creator.

Compared to related terms, encàrrec often conveys a sense of customization and professional engagement, whereas comanda (order) can be broader and less formal. The choice of term can reflect the nature of the relationship and the production process involved.

See also: comanda, ordre.