Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| saludos | /saˈludos/ | |
| saludos cordiales | /saludos koɾdjales/ (from spelling rules) | |
| cordialmente | /koɾˌdjalˈmente/ | |
| saludos cariñosos | /saludos kaɾiɲosos/ (from spelling rules) | masculine, plural |
The term saludos is a standard and widely used expression for "regards". While it can mean "greetings" at the beginning of a conversation, it functions as "regards" when used in the closing of a letter or message. When you want to ask someone to pass your regards to a third party, it is common to use the phrase mandar saludos (to send regards).
Which one should you use?
Saludos is a general way to say "regards" or "greetings". For professional correspondence, saludos cordiales is a standard way to say "kind regards", while cordialmente translates to "cordially" and is used to close formal conversations or writing. For more affectionate contexts, saludos cariñosos is used to convey "warm regards" to friends or family.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal settings, saludos cordiales is a standard way to end professional correspondence. The adverb cordialmente is also used as a formal sign-off in letters and emails, similar to "Cordially" or "Sincerely" in English. Saludos is a standard formal expression, though in Mexico it is also commonly used as an informal way to express regards. For informal situations, you can use saludos cariñosos for warmth and affection or besos (kisses) to express affectionate regards to close friends or family in Spain and Latin America.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, saludos is commonly used as an informal way to express regards. In Colombia, people often use un abrazo (a hug) in informal settings to convey regards. In Argentina, abrazo grande (big hug) is often used as an informal expression of regards.
How does it change in a sentence?
saludos cariñosos is a masculine plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
/saˈludos/
When do people say it?
To convey warmth and closeness between close friends or family members, people often use un abrazo (a hug). In Spain and Latin America, besos (kisses) is used to express affectionate regards to those close to you.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, ending a message with just 'saludos' can sometimes feel abrupt or even cold, whereas in English 'regards' is a standard neutral closing.
- The formal sign-off cordialmente is formed by adding the suffix -mente to the word cordial.
- While English speakers use 'warm regards' for professional warmth, Spanish speakers often substitute 'regards' entirely for 'un abrazo', meaning 'a hug', even in semi-formal written contexts.
Examples in context
- Si viene, denle mis saludos.If he comes, give him my regards.This sentence shows how to use saludos when asking someone to pass on your regards.Tatoeba #8497166 by Carlettos, translation #1728569 by belgavox
- Envíale mis saludos, por favor.Please give him my best regards.This sentence shows how to ask someone to give your best saludos to a third party.Tatoeba #1428295 by marcelostockle, translation #284968 by CM
- Mi hermano te manda sus saludos.My brother sends you his regards.This sentence shows the use of saludos when someone is sending their regards through another person.Tatoeba #1320865 by marcelostockle, translation #237827 by CK
- Saludos cordialesBest regards
- Le saluda cordialmenteYours sincerely
- Te saludo afectuosamenteWarm regards
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are finishing a professional email exchange.
- MateoReciba mis más cordiales saludos.Please receive my most cordial regards.
- LucíaMuchas gracias, Mateo.Thank you very much, Mateo.
- MateoQuedo atento a su respuesta.I look forward to your response.
- LucíaHasta pronto, saludos.See you soon, regards.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “regards” translations and entries saludos, cordialmente, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cordialmente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
