How to End a Letter in Spanish in 2023 | Sample

Just like there are different greetings you can use when writing a letter in Spanish, there are also different ways you can end it. 

The first thing to do is to decide on the letter you want to write. Is it a formal or informal letter? The type of letter you are writing will determine the greeting you use. 

In this article, we have made a guide that can teach you how to end a letter in Spanish. Before we proceed, we’ll briefly discuss the different Spanish letters and how to write one. 

The table of content below will guide you!

Formal Letter

A formal letter is a piece of writing that uses formal, professional language to discuss a business, academic, financial, or institutional topic.

Formal letters are typically only used when you need to make a formal request, recommend a person, introduce a product or service, assert a claim, or formally provide and communicate crucial information.

Since formal letters frequently involve strangers, it is vital to use respectful and explicit language.

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Informal Letter

An informal or casual letter is a piece of writing that uses unofficial or informal language. 

It is typically only used when you need to make an informal request, recommend a person, introduce a product or service, assert a claim, or formally provide and communicate crucial information.

Comparing Formal and Informal Letters

There are differences between formal and informal letters. Their goals, formats, the situations we address through them, the number of sentences we include in the letter, and the tone of voice we employ all vary.

Formal letters have a set format, and their main goal is professional communication. You write a formal letter to companies, institutions, universities, organizations, and other formal addresses. Long and complex sentences are acceptable, as well as the passive voice.

Contrarily, informal letters don’t adhere to a set format because their goal is personal communication. You use an active voice and short, simple, and direct sentences when you write them to friends and family members.

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How to End a Letter in Spanish

There are different ways of ending a letter in Spanish. As I mentioned earlier, the way you end a letter depends on the type of letter you are writing.

For a formal letter:

Letters sent in a formal setting or on behalf of an organization are sent in that capacity. You might email a client for business, apply for a job, or write to a coworker. 

Whatever the reason, you must treat everyone with the utmost respect and address them appropriately. 

Here are a few typical Spanish formal letter endings:

SPANISH – ENGLISH

  • atentamente- sincerely
  • muy atentamente- yours sincerely
  • un cordial saludo- kind regards / cordial greetings
  • cordiales saludos- kind regards / cordial greetings
  • saludos cordiales-  kind regards / cordial greetings
  • cordialmente- cordially/best
  • muchas gracias- many thanks

For an informal letter

Informal letters are those you send to familiar people, like friends or family. Informally written letters in Spanish usually end with words or phrases that convey affection and a general air of friendliness.

See the following examples of informal Spanish letter and email closings:

SPANISH ENGLISH

  • un saludo – greetings / cheers
  • saludos-  greetings / cheers
  • un abrazo- hugs
  • un fuerte abrazo-  big hug
  • un beso-  kiss
  • besos-  kisses
  • con cariño-  with affection
  • cariñosamente-  affectionately
  • con amor-  with love
  • mil gracias-  many thanks

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Informal Letters Format

This part explains different parts of an informal letter and how to write an informal letter in Spanish:

Greetings

You should always begin a letter in Spanish with a greeting. Any of the following two can be used in casual letters:

  • Hola: Informal letters can start with a simple hola, just like you would if casually greeting someone on the street in Spain. It is the most fundamental way to begin an informal letter and translates very simply to “hi,” “hi there,” or “hey.” 
  • Although slightly more formal than hola, querido/querida is not a word you would use in a formal letter. Although it translates as “dear,” the adjective’s ending will depend on the gender of the recipient. 

Text in body

It is up to the writer to decide which expressions to use in informal letters. Setting a casual tone is okay, so express yourself. Here are some typical sayings to think about:

  • The reason I’m writing to you is because…
  • How are you? – Hello, how are you?
  • Hello to your family from the other side, saluda!
  • My excitement at receiving your news was great. It was a pleasure to speak with you.
  • I hope you are doing well. I hope all is well with you.
  • We haven’t spoken for a very long time.

Closing

There are many more ways than there are greetings to end a casual Spanish letter. However, the following are some of the most typical ones:

Besos y abrazos: Translated as “hugs and kisses,” this phrase is perfect for saying goodbye to a loved one. It’s also a fairly typical farewell at the end of letters written in English.

Afectuosamente: Affecteduosamente is a kind farewell that is typically used for family and friends, much like the example above. It means “yours, affectionately,” and signing off the phrase with the sender’s name is customary.

Saludos: This goodbye is appropriate in casual letters to acquaintances or other distant recipients. It simply means “greetings” and serves as an excellent conclusion to the letter.

Formal Letters

Your Spanish must be flawless when writing formal letters because it reflects the writer’s professionalism. Never use slang, and before sending, always double-check the infinitives.

Greetings

You can use two main opening sentences, just like when writing an informal letter. Select one of the following official Spanish phrases:

Who might be interested: When the recipient’s name is not known, it is preferable to use this phrase at the start of the letter. The phrase means “to whom it may concern.” 

This is usually the more straightforward choice when the writer is unsure of the difference between feminine and masculine infinitives.

Estimado/Estimada: Although ‘estimado’ can also be used in formal letters, querido is an informal Spanish word that means “dear.” 

It is preferable to include ‘seor’ or ‘seora’ before the recipient’s last name. Use the appropriate ending based on the gender of the recipient.

Text in body

The language used in a formal letter will depend on the point being made by the writer. 

To be respectful of the reader, use ‘usted’ throughout the text rather than t when in doubt. Here are a few prevalent formal Spanish expressions used in letters:

  • You will also discover – Please find enclosed
  • I’m writing to you to inform you of – I’m writing to let you know (plural)
  • Still waiting for your news – I anticipate hearing from you.
  • Please get in touch with me if you need more information. Get in touch with me if you need any additional information.
  • Thank you for your assistance with this matter. I appreciate your help in this matter.

Closing

There are many appropriate ways to end a formal letter that are also professional. Some of the most well-liked choices are as follows:

  • Kind regards, please: When you want to wish the recipient well, this farewell works best. One of the best ways to end a formal letter is to use the phrase “warm regards.”
  • Atentamente/Cordialmente: This phrase usually appears before the writer’s name and means “yours faithfully” or “sincerely” is another polite way to conclude a letter.
  • Thanks a lot: As a final note of gratitude, use this expression, which is short for “thank you very much.”

Sample Formal Letter

Spanish

Spanish

Estimada Sra. López,

Adjunto encontrará el contrato con mis recomendaciones. Le pido disculpas por la tardanza en enviárselo.

Tan pronto haya revisado el contrato, por favor déjeme saber si hace falta algún otro cambio. No dude en contactarme si tiene cualquier pregunta.

Atentamente,

Gabriela

English

Dear Ms. Lopez,

Attached you’ll find the contract with my recommendations. Please excuse the delay in sending it back to you.

As soon as you have reviewed the contract, please let me know if any other changes need to be made. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Gabriela

Sample Informal Letter

Here is an informal letter sample both in Spanish and English:

Spanish

Querido José,

¡Qué alegría verte en la fiesta de Mariana! Hacía tiempo que quería escribirte para ver cómo te iban los estudios en Madrid. Estoy planeando un viaje a Barcelona a finales de mayo. ¿Estarás en Madrid para esas fechas? ¡Sería maravilloso vernos allá!

Un fuerte abrazo,

Ana Carolina

English

Dear Jose,

It was so great to see you at Mariana’s party! I’ve been meaning to write to you to see how your studies are going in Madrid. I’m planning a trip to Barcelona at the end of May. Will you be in Madrid during that time? It would be amazing to see each other there!

Big hug,

Ana Carolina

FAQs

How do you write an informal letter in Spanish?


An informal letter should include:
The Sender’s address.
Date.
Greeting/Salutation.
Introduction.
Body of the letter.
Conclusion.
Signature.

How Do I start a formal letter in Spanish?

To start a formal letter in Spanish, you can use:
Estimado señor o señora which means Dear Sir or Madam,
Estimado(a) Sr. / Sra. / Srta, which means Dear Mr. / Mrs. / Ms.

How do you end a friendly letter in Spanish?


An official closing to a letter in Spanish is equally formal:
Le(s) saluda atentamente, – Yours sincerely,
Cordialmente, / Atentamente, – Sincerely, / Sincerely yours, / Yours sincerely,
Saludos cordiales, – Best regards,
Se despide cordialmente, – Saying goodbye cordially,

Conclusion

Always use a closing sentence or call to action to conclude your letter. In Spanish, the ending for letters is always “Atentamente” or “Un fuerte abrazo,.

Reference

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