What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of 'to extend an invitation', where extender means 'to extend' or 'to stretch out'.
Which one should you use?
While extender una invitación is formal and ceremonial, the single verb invitar is the standard, everyday way to say 'to invite'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
extender una invitación is used in formal contexts, such as official correspondence or formal events. For even more formal expressions, you can use Tengo el placer de invitarle a…, Me gustaría invitarle a…, or Le invito cordialmente a… Conversely, if you are in an informal situation, you should use phrases like ¿Te gustaría venir a…?, Me encantaría que vinieras a…, or ¿Quieres…?
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the verb invitar can be replaced by convidar.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are referring to a specific, previously mentioned invitation, you change the indefinite article una to the definite article la to form extender la invitación.
How do you pronounce it?
/eɡstendeɾ una imbitaθjon/
Did you know?
- If you use invitar in a restaurant in some Spanish-speaking countries, the waiter might not think you are asking someone to join you, but rather that you intend to pay for their meal.
- The word extender originates from the Latin extendere, which literally means 'to stretch out'. This evokes the physical image of stretching out a hand or a scroll to offer something to another person.
- In highly formal Spanish correspondence, extender una invitación is often accompanied by the phrase tengo el honor, meaning 'I have the honor'. This adds a layer of social hierarchy that is less common in modern English invitations.
Examples in context
- Tengo el placer de invitarle a nuestra conferencia empresarialI have the pleasure of inviting you to our business conference
- ¿Te gustaría venir a mi fiesta de cumpleaños?Would you like to come to my birthday party?
- Me gustaría invitarte al concierto del viernesI would like to invite you to the concert on Friday
- Si no puedes venir, házmelo saber lo antes posibleIf you can't come, let me know as soon as possible
- Es un honor extender una invitación a su empresa.It is an honor to extend an invitation to your company.
- Queremos extender una invitación formal para la gala.We want to extend a formal invitation to the gala.
- Él decidió extender una invitación a todos sus colegas.He decided to extend an invitation to all his colleagues.
Example conversation
María and Javier are planning a business gala.
- MaríaJavier, es momento de extender una invitación a los clientes.Javier, it is time to extend an invitation to the clients.
- JavierTienes razón, prepararé las tarjetas hoy mismo.You are right, I will prepare the cards today.
- MaríaAsegúrate de que el lenguaje sea muy profesional.Make sure that the language is very professional.
- JavierNo te preocupes, María, yo me encargo.Don't worry, María, I'll take care of it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries extender, invitación, una, CC BY-SA 4.0.
