What does “Mande” mean?

Pardon? / Yes? / What did you say?/MAHN-deh/

Literal translation

Command (me)

Natural translation

Pardon? / Yes? / What did you say?

What it really means

Distinctly Mexican response when someone calls your name or you didn’t hear something. Considered extremely polite — kids are taught to say ‘mande’ instead of ‘qué’.

When Spanish speakers use it

Anytime someone calls your name, asks something you missed, or to acknowledge a parent or elder.

Examples in context

—Juan. —¿Mande?
—Juan. —Yes?
Mande usted, señora.
Pardon, ma’am?
—Hijo, ven acá. —Mande, mamá.
—Son, come here. —Yes, mom.

Regional differences

Mexico: Standard polite response — using ‘qué’ instead is considered rude with elders.
Spain & South America: Not used — locals say ‘¿qué?’ or ‘¿perdón?’ instead.