The preterite of ordenar is used to express a specific instance of ordering something in the past, for example Ordené una pizza para la cena (I ordered a pizza for dinner). This tense emphasizes the completed action of ordering at a particular moment.

This is a regular -ar verb that follows the standard preterite conjugation pattern. Its straightforward conjugation makes it an excellent example for practicing regular preterite forms.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Ordenar (to order) in the Preterite (Past) Tense tense (Latin American Spanish):

The preterite of ordenar indicates a completed action of ordering or organizing in the past.

To order/command: Describes giving an order or command, for example El jefe ordenó una reunión inmediata (The boss ordered an immediate meeting) or Ordené una pizza (I ordered a pizza).

To organize/arrange: Used for putting things in order, for example Ordené mi habitación esta mañana (I organized my room this morning).

Examples

Examples of Ordenar in the Preterite (Past) Tense

Ordené una pizza para la cena. (I ordered a pizza for dinner.)

Ordenaste tu habitación antes de salir. (You tidied your room before leaving.)

El jefe ordenó una reunión urgente. (The boss ordered an urgent meeting.)

Ordenamos los libros alfabéticamente. (We arranged the books alphabetically.)

Los clientes ordenaron el menú especial. (The customers ordered the special menu.)

Ordené mis ideas antes de escribir. (I organized my thoughts before writing.)

Ordenaste los archivos por fecha. (You organized the files by date.)

La maestra ordenó silencio. (The teacher ordered silence.)

Ordenamos nuevos suministros. (We ordered new supplies.)

Los soldados ordenaron el campamento. (The soldiers organized the camp.)

Ordené un café con leche. (I ordered a coffee with milk.)

Ordenaste los documentos importantes. (You organized the important documents.)

El capitán ordenó la retirada. (The captain ordered the retreat.)

Ordenamos la sala para la fiesta. (We arranged the room for the party.)

Los gerentes ordenaron una auditoría. (The managers ordered an audit.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Ordenar (to order) in the Preterite (Past) Tense tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Latin American Spanish. For Castilian Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Preterite tense is also known as the Simple Past, Past Simple, Definite Past, Absolute Past, or Past Tense Indicative in English, and as Pretérito Perfecto Simple, Pretérito Indefinido, Pretérito Simple, Pasado Simple, or Pretérito de Indicativo in Spanish.