recordatorio amistoso
/rekoɾdatoɾjo amistoso/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "gentle reminder" is expressed as recordatorio amistoso.
The phrase is used as a polite way to tell someone that they have forgotten to do something. Spanish speakers often use the verb phrase solo quería recordarte que… (I just wanted to remind you that…) to achieve the same polite effect.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase recordatorio amistoso is built from recordatorio (reminder) and amistoso (friendly).
Which one should you use?
In professional Spanish emails, un breve recordatorio (a brief reminder) is often used instead of amistoso to sound more professional and less patronizing.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Recordatorio amable is a direct translation of "gentle reminder" and is commonly used in formal contexts. Le recuerdo amablemente is a polite way to gently remind someone. No te olvides de is an informal way to create a gentle reminder asking someone not to forget something.
How do you pronounce it?
/rekoɾdatoɾjo amistoso/
Did you know?
- The word recordatorio shares a common ancestor with the English word 'heart'. This is because the Latin root 'cor' refers to both the heart and the center of a matter, which is what one 'recalls' to mind.
- The verb recordar can mean both 'to remind' and 'to remember'. Depending on the sentence, te recuerdo can mean 'I remind you' or 'I remember you', which can lead to confusion in written reminders.
- If you use the word recordatorio in a very formal setting, it can sound like an automated or mechanical notification, whereas recordar is more human.
Examples in context
- Estimado señor, le recuerdo amablemente que nuestra reunión comienza a las 10 a.m.Dear sir, I kindly remind you that our meeting starts at 10 a.m.
- Recuerda traer tu libro mañana para la claseRemember to bring your book tomorrow for class
- Oye, no te olvides de llamar a mamá. Es su cumpleaños mañanaHey, don't forget to call mom. It's her birthday tomorrow
- Te envío un recordatorio amistoso sobre la reunión.I am sending you a gentle reminder about the meeting.
- Este es un recordatorio amistoso para pagar la factura.This is a gentle reminder to pay the invoice.
- Solo quería enviarte un recordatorio amistoso del examen.I just wanted to send you a gentle reminder about the exam.
Example conversation
Daniel sends an email to Elena regarding a missed deadline.
- DanielHola Elena, te envío un recordatorio amistoso del informe.Hello Elena, I am sending you a gentle reminder about the report.
- Elena¡Oh, lo siento mucho, Daniel! Se me olvidó.Oh, I am so sorry, Daniel! I forgot.
- DanielNo te preocupes, lo espero mañana.Don't worry, I will expect it tomorrow.
- ElenaGracias por avisarme, te lo envío pronto.Thanks for letting me know, I will send it to you soon.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amistoso, recordatorio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
