Ordonner vs. commander
In French, ordonner and commander both translate into English as to order or to command. However, they are used in slightly different contexts and carry different nuances.
Ordonner
B1Ordonner means to give an authoritative command or direction, often in a formal or organizational context.
Le général a ordonné à ses troupes de se préparer pour la bataille.
(The general ordered his troops to prepare for battle.)
L’entreprise a ordonné aux employés de changer leurs mots de passe.
(The company ordered the employees to change their passwords.)
Le médecin lui a ordonné de prendre du repos.
(The doctor ordered him to take some rest.)
Commander
A2Commander generally refers to ordering in the sense of requesting something, especially goods or services, but can also mean giving orders in a less formal context than ordonner.
J'ai commandé une pizza par téléphone.
(I ordered a pizza over the phone.)
Elle commande toujours ses livres en ligne.
(She always orders her books online.)
Le capitaine commande son équipage avec fermeté.
(The captain commands his crew with firmness.)
Summary
Ordonner and commander are both French verbs meaning to order, but they are used differently. Ordonner is used more often in formal or authoritative contexts to give direct orders, while commander typically refers to requesting goods or services, although it can also be used to give orders in a less formal manner than ordonner.