How to write a letter in Spanish?

By Marta Díaz on Thursday, April 25, 2024

Although you may think that in the 21st century writing a letter is old-fashioned and that it is a practice that is no longer used, this is a big mistake. Writing a letter can be very useful to help you improve your writing, your way of expressing yourself or for work situations if you are learning Spanish.

It is true that the practice of writing letters to communicate has been lost, but emails have replaced this practice, and it is necessary to know how to structure one. Writing to friends, family, receiving a love letter or making a complaint are actions that often require the basic knowledge of writing a letter in Spanish, but it is necessary to know when to write formally or informally.

That's why, in your adventure to learn Spanish, Enforex teaches you how to write a letter in Spanish, or an email, the vocabulary you need to know and the different models that can help you.

How to structure a Spanish letter?

You may think that writing a letter is outdated and you prefer to send an email, the format is the same, but instead of doing it on paper, it will be online. However, writing a letter in Spanish can vary from your native language to Spanish, so Enforex teaches you here the different ways to do it.

A well-written letter can convey your thoughts and emotions clearly and cordially in Spanish. Also, depending on the situation and the sender, you may have to write a letter for a job, send an email to your superiors, send a letter of complaint, a letter of congratulations or a thank you letter.

The important thing is to know what you want to express and do it in a clear way, once you have that decided, you can start structuring your letter in Spanish.

1. Header: if it is a handwritten letter, on the top right-hand side write the date followed by the place where you are. For example: 28 de mayo de 2022, Madrid (May 28, 2022, Madrid).

2. Recipient information: if it is a formal letter, in the upper left-hand corner, write the name and address of the person to whom the letter is addressed. You can even add the position, if you know it, and the company he/she works for. If it is an informal letter, it is not necessary to include this type of information.

3. Initial greeting: start the letter by greeting the addressee with a greeting such as "Querido o Estimado señor Pérez” (Dear Mr. Perez). Although if it is someone close to you, you can always start by greeting them informally: Hola Luis (Hello Luis).

4. Body of the letter: just like a story, the letter should have an introduction, development, and conclusion. Organize your ideas and thoughts in a clear way to be able to express them correctly in the letter. In the introduction, present the reason for your letter; in the development, explain your ideas or arguments; and in the conclusion, summarize your ideas and make it clear what you expect from the recipient.

5. Farewell: after your main message, close the letter in a polite way if it is to someone you do not know, such as “Saludos” (Greetings) or Atentamente (Sincerely). Or close it in a close manner if it is to someone close to you, for example, “Con cariño” (Love).

6. Signature: lastly, below the farewell, sign your name and surname.

The most common letter formats in Spanish are formal letter, informal letter, business letter, request letter, complaint letter or thank you letter. At the end of the article, you will find several examples.

Vocabulary for writing a letter in Spanish

Below, you will find essential vocabulary to add to your letter in Spanish:

• Querido/a or Estimada/o (Dear)
• A quien pueda interesar (To whom it may concern)
• ¿Qué tal estás? Or ¿Cómo va todo? (How are you doing?)
• Espero que estés bien (I hope you are well)
• Me gustaría contarte sobre... (I would like to tell you about...)
• Te escribo para contarte sobre… (I'm writing to tell you about…)
• Te escribo en relación con… (I'm writing to tell you about...)
• La presente carta tiene por motivo… (I am writing to tell you about...)
• Les informo mediante esta carta/ este email… (I am informing you by this letter/ this email...)
• Por favor, házmelo saber si necesitas más información (Please let me know if you need any further information)
• Si tienes alguna pregunta, no dudes en hacérmela (If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask me)
• Espero su respuesta (I look forward to your reply)
• Les agradezco su atención (Thank you for your attention)
• Por favor, pónganse en contacto conmigo lo antes possible (Please contact me as soon as possible
• Saludos (Best regards)
• Saludos cordials (Kind regards)
• Con cariño (Love)
• Atentamente (Yours sincerely)

In addition, here are some useful words to expand your vocabulary about writing a letter in Spanish or an email:

• Carta (Letter)
• Correo electrónico (Email)
• Sobre (Envelope)
• Sello (Stamp)
• Postal (Postcard)
• Remitente (Sender)
• Destinatario (Addressee)
• Dirección (Street Address)
• Código Postal (Zip/Postal Code)
• Enviar (To sent)
• Recibir (To receive)
• Escribir (To write)
• Entregar (To deliver)
• Firma (Signature)
• PD - Postdata (Postscript - PS)
• Archive adjunto (Attached file)

Formal letter:

Here is an example of how to write a formal letter in Spanish.

Spanish:

[Nombre del remitente]

[Dirección del remitente]

[Ciudad, código postal]

[Teléfono]

[Correo electrónico]

[Fecha]

[Nombre del destinatario/empresa]

[Departamento/cargo]

[Dirección de la empresa]

[Ciudad, código postal]

Estimado/a [Nombre del destinatario]:

Me dirijo a usted con el propósito de expresar mi interés en la vacante de [nombre del puesto] en su empresa. Como profesional con 5 años de experiencia en [puesto de trabajo], me siento entusiasmado por la oportunidad de contribuir a la evolución y desarrollo de su equipo y poner en práctica mis habilidades y conocimientos.

Durante mi trayectoria laboral, he tenido la oportunidad de desarrollar mis conocimientos y habilidades en [mencionar habilidades relevantes para el puesto], las cuales considero que pueden ser de gran valor para su organización. Además, mi capacidad para [mencionar logros o experiencias] me ha permitido destacarme en entornos de trabajo dinámicos y exigentes.

Me motiva la visión y los valores de su empresa, así como la oportunidad de formar parte de un equipo comprometido con la excelencia y la innovación. Estoy convencido de que mi perfil profesional encaja con los requisitos del puesto y estoy dispuesto a dar mi mejor esfuerzo para contribuir al desarrollo de la empresa.

Adjunto a esta carta, encontrará mi CV, que detalla con mayor precisión mi experiencia laboral y formación académica. Quedo a su disposición para ampliar cualquier información que considere necesaria.

Agradezco sinceramente su tiempo y consideración en la revisión de mi solicitud. Espero con interés la posibilidad de colaborar con vosotros y formar parte de su equipo en el futuro.

Atentamente,

[Nombre o firma]

English translation:

[Sender's name]

[Sender's address]

[City, zip code]

[Telephone]

[Email]

[Date]

[Name of recipient/company]

[Department/position]

[Company address]

[City, ZIP code] [City, ZIP code] [City, ZIP code] [City, ZIP code

Dear [Recipient's name]:

I am writing to express my interest in the [job title] vacancy in your company. As a professional with 5 years of experience in [job title], I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the evolution and development of your team and to put my skills and knowledge into practice.

During my career, I have had the opportunity to develop my knowledge and skills in [mention skills relevant to the position], which I believe can be of great value to your organization. In addition, my ability to [mention achievements or experiences] has allowed me to excel in dynamic and demanding work environments.

I am motivated by your company's vision and values, as well as the opportunity to be part of a team committed to excellence and innovation. I am convinced that my professional profile fits the requirements of the position, and I am willing to do my best to contribute to the development of the company.

Attached to this letter, you will find my CV, which details more precisely my work experience and academic background. I remain at your disposal for any further information you may require.

I sincerely appreciate your time and consideration in reviewing my application. I look forward to the possibility of collaborating with you and being part of your team in the future.

Sincerely yours,

[Name or signature]

Informal letter

Here is an example of how to write a informal letter in Spanish.

Spanish:

[Nombre del remitente]

[Dirección del remitente]

[Ciudad, Código postal]

[Fecha]

¡Hola, Luis!

Espero que esta carta te encuentre bien y que estés disfrutando de tus vacaciones.

Quería tomarme un momento para escribirte y ponerme al día contigo. ¡Han pasado tantas cosas desde la última vez que nos vimos! ¿Recuerdas aquel viaje que hicimos juntos el verano pasado? ¡Fue increíble! Todavía me rio cuando pienso en todas las aventuras que vivimos.

Por cierto, ¿te enteraste de que finalmente conseguí el trabajo en la empresa que tanto me gustaba? Estoy muy emocionada por esta nueva etapa y estoy segura de que aprenderé muchas cosas interesantes.

Y tú ¿qué has estado haciendo últimamente? Cuéntame todas las novedades.

Espero que podamos vernos pronto para ponernos al día en persona. Te mando un abrazo enorme y espero saber de ti pronto.

Con cariño,

[Nombre o firma del remitente]

English translation:

[Sender's name]

[Sender's address]

[City, Zip Code]

[Date]

Hello, Luis!

I hope this letter finds you well and that you are enjoying your vacation.

I wanted to take a moment to write and catch up with you, so much has happened since we last saw each other! Remember that trip we took together last summer, it was amazing! I still laugh when I think of all the adventures we had.

Did you hear that I finally got the job at the company I loved so much? I am very excited about this new stage, and I am sure I will learn many interesting things.

And you, what have you been doing lately? Tell me all the news.

I hope we can meet soon to catch up in person. I send you a big hug and hope to hear from you soon.

Love,

[Sender's name or signature]