memorándum
/memoɾandum/from spelling rules
The English word "memo" is translated into Spanish as memorándum.
The term memorándum refers to a short note. In professional or corporate environments, you may also encounter the term Comunicado to describe an official statement or a memo or the word Circular when referring to a memo that is distributed among employees within an organization.
Meaning: a short note (noun)
Which one should you use?
While memorándum is the standard term, you might use Nota in informal settings to refer to a short note or memo.
How does it change in a sentence?
Memorándum is a masculine noun, preceded by the article el (el memorándum). To form the plural, you can add -s to create memorándums.
How do you pronounce it?
/memoɾandum/
Did you know?
- The word nota is a linguistic chameleon. It can describe a tiny sticky note on a desk, a grade on a test, or a highly formal diplomatic communication between nations.
- If you are expecting a quick internal note but receive a comunicado, prepare for something much more serious. A comunicado is often a formal public statement issued by a government or a major corporation to the media.
- Because memorándum is a rare Latin loanword ending in -um, it creates a linguistic conflict where some speakers use the Spanish plural memorándums and others insist on the Latin memoranda.
Examples in context
- El memo fue enviado a todos los empleadosThe memo was sent to all employees
- La circular interna informaba sobre los cambios en la política de la empresaThe internal circular informed about changes in company policy
- Déjame mandarte una nota rápida con la informaciónLet me send you a quick memo with the information
- El memo de la gerencia era confidencialThe memo from management was confidential
- Voy a mandar un comunicado a todos los empleadosI will send a memo to all employees
- Me gustaría enviarte una nota con los detallesI'd like to send you a memo with the details
- He recibido un memorándum de la dirección.I received a memo from the management.
- El memorándum explica las nuevas reglas.The memo explains the new rules.
- Por favor, lee este memorándum urgente.Please read this urgent memo.
Example conversation
In a modern office during a workday.
- Mateo¿Leíste el memorándum sobre el horario?Did you read the memo about the schedule?
- MaríaNo, Mateo, todavía no lo he visto.No, Mateo, I haven't seen it yet.
- MateoTe lo envío ahora mismo por correo.I will send it to you via email right now.
- MaríaGracias, lo revisaré enseguida.Thanks, I will check it immediately.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry memorándum, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
