Spanish Conversation · Level 84
60 words
Spanish word
encargo
Pronunciation
IPA/eŋˈkaɾɣo/
Meaning
- masculine nounerrand
Example
Tengo un encargo que hacer.
I have an errand to run.
More examples
¿Puedes hacerme un encargo?
Can you run an errand for me?
Core concept
A short duty such as a purchase or delivery entrusted to a person.
Common phrases
hacer un encargo
ask someone to run an errand
recibir un encargo
be given an errand
cumplir un encargo
carry out an errand
Similar words
mandado: Brief job someone asks another to do that typically involves a quick outside chore.
recado: Quick errand that involves delivering a message or passing along an item.
Definition in Spanish
Responsabilidad puntual que se encomienda a una persona para que realice una acción determinada, como una compra, una entrega o una tarea encargada.
Word origin
From the verb encargar (en- + cargar), where cargar derives from Late Latin carricare 'to load', giving the sense of entrusting a load or duty to someone.
Usage tips
- Common collocations are hacer un encargo and encargarse de + noun or infinitive, while encargar means to commission or ask someone to do something and encargado refers to the person in charge.