abrazos fuertes
/abɾaθos fweɾtes/from spelling rules
The English phrase "big hugs" is translated into Spanish as abrazos fuertes.
abrazos fuertes is an affectionate closing used in letters, emails or text messages to express warmth and love. It is a common way to sign off when writing to friends and family.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "strong hugs" rather than "big hugs".
Which one should you use?
While abrazos fuertes adds emphasis and warmth, the simpler un abrazo is a standard, slightly more neutral way to close a message affectionately.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you wish to say "a big hug" in the singular, you must change both the noun and the adjective to their singular forms: un abrazo fuerte.
How do you pronounce it?
/abɾaθos fweɾtes/
Did you know?
- In a professional context, using un abrazo as a sign-off is common in Spain and Latin America, whereas an English speaker might find 'a hug' too intimate for a business email.
- While abrazos fuertes is warm, using the diminutive abracitos can make the sentiment feel even more tender, sweet or protective.
- The word abrazo comes from the verb abrazar, which shares a root with brazo, the Spanish word for 'arm'.
Examples in context
- Estimado Juan, espero que te encuentres bien. ¡Un fuerte abrazo desde lejos!Dear Juan, I hope you are doing well. A strong hug from afar!
- En nombre de todo el equipo, le mando un abrazo fuerte por su cumpleaños.On behalf of the whole team, I send you a big hug for your birthday.
- ¡Hola Ana! Te extrañé mucho. ¡Un abrazo enorme!Hi Ana! I missed you a lot. A huge hug!
- ¡Felicidades por el nuevo trabajo! Te mando un súper abrazo de celebración.Congratulations on the new job! I send you a super hug of celebration.
- Muchos abrazos fuertes para ti.Many big hugs for you.
Example conversation
Javier is sending a sweet farewell message to María.
- Javier¡Hasta pronto, María!See you soon, María!
- María¡Nos vemos, Javier!See you, Javier!
- JavierTe mando abrazos fuertes.I send you big hugs.
- MaríaGracias, igualmente.Thanks, likewise.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
