What Are Some Different Ways to End a Letter in Spanish?

Writing a letter or an email in a foreign language can be a daunting task, especially if it's business correspondence. But not to worry! Below we've compiled a list of the different ways to end a letter in Spanish for both formal and informal correspondence. We've also included some model emails and useful vocabulary to guide you through crafting the perfect letter.

Formal Letter

Formal letters are letters that are sent in some sort of professional setting or capacity. You might be writing to a colleague, applying for a job, or emailing a business client. Whatever the reason, you want to make sure that you show the utmost respect and use the correct terms of address. Below you'll find some common formal letter endings in Spanish:

SpanishEnglish
atentamentesincerely
muy atentamenteyours sincerely
un cordial saludokind regards / cordial greetings
cordiales saludoskind regards / cordial greetings
saludos cordialeskind regards / cordial greetings
cordialmentecordially/best
muchas graciasmany thanks

Informal Letter

Informal letters are letters that are sent to someone that you're very familiar with, such as a friend or family member. Endings for informal letters in Spanish tend to be words and phrases that denote affection and a general sense of warmth and friendliness.

Check out some suggested endings for an informal letter or email in Spanish:

SpanishEnglish
un saludogreetings / cheers
saludosgreetings / cheers
un abrazohugs
un fuerte abrazobig hug
un besokiss
besoskisses
con cariñowith affection
cariñosamenteaffectionately
con amorwith love
mil graciasmany thanks

Greetings in Spanish

An article about ending letters in Spanish would be incomplete without a brief mention of how to start a letter!

In Spanish, the most common way to start a letter is with querido(when addressing a man) or querida(when addressing a woman), which translates to dear.

However, querido is very familiar, so in a more formal letter, make sure to write estimadoor estimada, a more professional greeting which translates as esteemed or dear.

If you're sending the letter or email to an unknown person, use a quien corresponda, or to whom it may concern.

Useful Vocabulary

In addition to greetings and endings, here are some related words that might help you on your letter-writing journey!

SpanishEnglish
correspondenciacorrespondence
cartaletter
correo electrónicoemail
saludogreeting
despedidaclosure
firma de correo electrónicoemail signature
enviarto send
adjuntar un archivoto attach a file

Sample Formal Letter

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 there are any other changes to be made. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Gabriela

Sample Informal Letter

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 for a while. 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