General
mande
What does mande mean?
A characteristically Mexican polite response when addressed, meaning 'pardon?' or 'yes?'.
"—¡Juan! —¿Mande?"
Origin
From 'mandar' (to command); a courteous 'at your command' reply.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'mande' mean?
It's a polite Mexican reply when someone calls your name or you didn't hear them, roughly meaning 'yes?', 'pardon?', or 'come again?'.
Where does 'mande' come from?
It comes from the verb 'mandar' (to command), literally offering yourself 'at your command' when addressed.
Is 'mande' rude?
No, it's the opposite. It's considered a polite, respectful response, though some see it as an outdated colonial-era courtesy.
How do you use 'mande'?
Say it when someone calls your name or you need them to repeat something, e.g. '—Ana! —¿Mande?'
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.
