be commanding

[/bi kəˈmændɪŋ/]
verb phrase
ser comandante; estar no comando; ser imponente
1. To exercise authority or control over people or a situation
She is commanding the military operation with confidence.
Ela está comandando a operação militar com confiança.
2. To have an impressive, authoritative, or dominant presence
His commanding voice captured everyone's attention in the room.
Sua voz comandante capturou a atenção de todos na sala.
3. To have a position of leadership or control
The general is commanding the troops from headquarters.
O general está comandando as tropas do quartel-general.
4. To deserve or demand attention or respect
Her talent is commanding respect from her peers.
Seu talento está conquistando o respeito de seus pares.
In Brazilian business and military contexts, 'estar comandando' emphasizes active leadership and control. In American usage, 'commanding' often implies an impressive presence that naturally draws authority, reflecting cultural values around presence and leadership style. The phrase is more formal in Portuguese corporate settings but can be used casually in English to describe anyone in a leadership position.
NYC Slang
running the show; calling the shots; being the boss
Synonyms / Sinônimos
leadingdirectingcontrollingdominatingauthoritativeimpressive
Antonyms / Antônimos
submissivepassivemeeksubordinatetimid

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
estar comandando; ser comandante
Most common usage in Brazilian Portuguese
São Paulo
estar no comando; estar liderando
Often uses 'no comando' or 'liderando' interchangeably
Rio de Janeiro
estar comandando; estar na frente
May use 'na frente' (at the front) colloquially
Portugal
estar a comandar; comandar
Uses progressive form 'estar a comandar' more frequently than Brazilian Portuguese

Related Words

commandcommandercommandmentcommandeercommand centercommand authority

Related Idioms & Phrases

be in command of
take command
command respect
command attention
commanding officer
commanding presence
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