solo un recordatorio
/solo un ɾekoɾdatoɾjo/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'just a reminder' is translated into Spanish as solo un recordatorio.
Solo un recordatorio is a polite phrase used to tell someone about something they should not forget. If you want to use a verb instead of a noun, you can use solo para recordarte to say 'just to remind you'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation where solo means 'only/just' and recordatorio means 'reminder'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Solo un recordatorio is used in informal settings. In informal text or speech, you can omit the solo and simply say un recordatorio to achieve a similar effect. For formal situations, you might instead use Quisiera recordarle amablemente (I would like to kindly remind you) or Me permito recordarle (I allow myself to remind you).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because recordatorio is a masculine noun, the indefinite article un must be masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/solo un ɾekoɾdatoɾjo/
Did you know?
- The Latin root of recordar links the concept of 'reminding' to the heart, reflecting the ancient belief that memory was a function of the heart rather than the brain.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a direct 'reminder' can be perceived as slightly aggressive. People often cushion the phrase with disculpa ('sorry') or perdona ('pardon') even when they have nothing to apologize for.
- The word solo in solo un recordatorio used to carry a written accent as sólo to distinguish it from the word for 'alone'. The Royal Spanish Academy now considers the accent unnecessary in almost all cases.
Examples in context
- Hola María, solo un recordatorio de nuestra cita para mañana a las 10 a.m. ¡Espero verte pronto!Hello María, just a reminder of our meeting tomorrow at 10 a.m. Hope to see you soon!
- Quisiera recordarle amablemente que la fecha límite para entregar el informe es el viernes. Por favor, avíseme si necesita más tiempo.I would like to kindly remind you that the deadline to submit the report is on Friday. Please let me know if you need more time.
- Es solo un recordatorio para que no lo olvides.It is just a reminder so that you don't forget it.
Example conversation
Daniel sends a quick message to Elena about a task.
- DanielHola Elena, solo un recordatorio de la cita.Hello Elena, just a reminder about the appointment.
- ElenaGracias, Daniel. No la olvidaré.Thanks, Daniel. I won't forget it.
- DanielPerfecto, nos vemos allí.Perfect, see you there.
- ElenaHasta luego.See you later.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries recordatorio, solo, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
