atentamente
/aˌtentaˈmente/
The English word "sincerely" is translated into Spanish as atentamente.
Atentamente is used to mean "sincerely" when acting in an earnest or honest manner.
Meaning: In a sincere or earnest manner, honestly (adv)
Which one should you use?
While atentamente is the standard way to say "sincerely" in formal letters or emails, other options exist depending on the tone. Cordialmente can also be used in formal letters to convey warmth and kindness.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Atentamente is a formal term and is the standard choice for closing a professional letter or email. For informal, personal contexts where you want to express sincerity through affection, you should use Con cariño, which translates to "with affection".
How do you pronounce it?
/aˌtentaˈmente/
Did you know?
- The suffix -mente in atentamente acts like the English suffix '-ly', but it is actually a fossilized remnant of the Latin word for 'mind'.
- The word atentamente is built from the adjective atento, which describes someone who is 'attentive' or 'paying attention'.
- In extremely formal Spanish bureaucracy, you might see Muy atentamente, adding 'very' to signal a higher level of deference to the recipient.
Examples in context
- Estimado Sr. Rodríguez, Le escribo para expresarle mi más sincero agradecimiento por su ayuda y apoyo durante nuestro proyecto en común. Espero poder colaborar nuevamente con usted en el futuro. Atentamente, Juan LópezDear Mr. Rodriguez, I am writing to express my most sincere gratitude for your help and support during our common project. I hope to be able to collaborate with you again in the future. Sincerely, Juan Lopez
- Estimada Sra. Gómez, Le agradezco sinceramente el tiempo que ha dedicado a evaluarme para la posición en su empresa. Quedo a su disposición para cualquier información adicional que requiera. Cordialmente, María TorresDear Mrs. Gomez, I sincerely thank you for the time you have dedicated to evaluating me for the position in your company. I remain at your disposal for any additional information you may require. Cordially, Maria Torres
Example conversation
Alejandro is ending a formal email to Lucía.
- AlejandroTerminaré la carta escribiendo atentamente.I will end the letter by writing sincerely.
- LucíaEs la forma correcta de cerrar el mensaje.It is the correct way to close the message.
- AlejandroEntonces, firmaré atentamente después de mi nombre.Then, I will sign sincerely after my name.
- LucíaSí, Alejandro, así se ve más profesional.Yes, Alejandro, that way it looks more professional.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry atentamente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries atentamente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
