atentamente
/aˌtentaˈmente/
In Spanish, the phrase for a formal goodbye in a letter is atentamente.
Atentamente is a formal closing used at the end of professional or official letters.
What does it mean word for word?
The word atentamente literally translates to attentively or attentively yours.
Which one should you use?
While atentamente is used for formal letters, the phrase un abrazo (a hug) is a common way to close a letter to friends or family.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Atentamente is a formal closing suitable for professional correspondence, such as business letters or official communications. In informal settings, such as writing to friends or family, you would use words like Besos (Kisses) or Cariños (Love) instead.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˌtentaˈmente/
Did you know?
- While atentamente is standard, some very formal Spanish letters use the phrase Quedo de usted, which literally means 'I remain of you'.
- Although un abrazo means 'a hug', it is frequently used in business contexts between colleagues who have a friendly working relationship, unlike the English 'a hug'.
- In some highly formal Spanish bureaucratic contexts, one might see S.S.S. used as an abbreviation for 'Su Seguro Servidor', a much more archaic way of closing a letter.
Examples in context
- Atentamente, Juan Pérez.Sincerely, Juan Pérez.
Example conversation
Elena is teaching Daniel how to sign a professional email.
- Elena¿Cómo cierro este correo formal, Daniel?How do I close this formal email, Daniel?
- DanielPuedes usar atentamente para sonar profesional.You can use 'sincerely' to sound professional.
- ElenaEntonces, escribiré: atentamente, Elena García.Then, I will write: sincerely, Elena García.
- DanielExacto, así es lo más correcto.Exactly, that is the most correct way.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry atentamente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
