What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "cordial greetings".
Which one should you use?
While saludos cordiales is a standard professional closing, atentamente is often considered slightly more formal or traditional and is frequently used in very official or legal correspondence. For a more informal touch when writing to a colleague or an acquaintance with whom you have a friendly relationship, you might use un abrazo, which means "a hug".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Saludos cordiales is a standard formal closing suitable for professional correspondence with people you do not know personally. Other formal options include Cordialmente, meaning "Cordially" and the more traditional atentamente. For informal situations, you can use Hasta pronto, which means "See you soon".
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural saludos cordiales is the standard formulaic closing, but you can singularize the phrase to un saludo cordial if you wish to use a singular noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/saludos koɾdjales/
Did you know?
- The word cordiales shares a root with the English word 'cordial', both deriving from the Latin word cor meaning 'heart'.
- Using un abrazo to close an email is a common way to show friendliness to a colleague in much of Latin America, but it can feel far too intimate in a professional setting in Spain.
- In some Latin American countries, the formal closing atentamente is often abbreviated as Atte. in business letters and emails.
Examples in context
- Atentamente, Ana LópezSincerely, Ana López
- Cordialmente, Luis GarcíaCordially, Luis García
- Saludos cordiales, María MartínezKind regards, María Martínez
- Hasta luego, CarlosSee you later, Carlos
- Nos vemos pronto, MartaSee you soon, Marta
- Hasta pronto, JavierSee you soon, Javier
- Saludos cordiales, Juan Pérez.Kind regards, Juan Pérez.
- Le envío saludos cordiales.I send you kind regards.
- Reciba mis saludos cordiales.Please receive my kind regards.
Example conversation
Maria is sending a formal email to Mateo regarding a project.
- MaríaAdjunto el informe final, Mateo.I have attached the final report, Mateo.
- MateoGracias, María. Lo revisaré mañana.Thank you, María. I will review it tomorrow.
- MaríaPerfecto. Saludos cordiales.Perfect. Kind regards.
- MateoIgualmente, saludos cordiales.Likewise, best regards.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
