What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from gracias (thanks), por (for), el (the) and recordatorio (reminder).
Which one should you use?
In more casual settings, you might use gracias por el aviso instead of recordatorio to mean a heads-up or a notice.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal situations, you can use ¡Muchas gracias por el recordatorio! to say "Thank you very much for the reminder!", Le agradezco el recordatorio for "I appreciate the reminder" or Aprecio que me haya recordado for "I appreciate that you reminded me". In informal settings, you can say ¡Mil gracias por el recordatorio! to mean "Thanks a lot for the reminder!" or use Te agradezco que me hayas recordado for "I appreciate that you reminded me".
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want to use a verb instead of a noun, you can say gracias por recordármelo using the infinitive recordar with object pronouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡɾaθjas poɾ el ɾekoɾdatoɾjo/
Did you know?
- The word recordatorio shares a root with the English word 'core'. It comes from the Latin cor, meaning 'heart', because remembering was historically seen as a function of the heart.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a person might respond to your gracias by saying de nada, which literally translates to 'of nothing', meaning 'it was nothing'.
- The word gracias is used so frequently in Spanish that it often functions as a social lubricant to acknowledge a transition in conversation, even when no significant favor was performed.
Examples in context
- Le agradezco el recordatorio. Lo enviaré a tiempo.I appreciate the reminder. I will submit it on time.
- ¡Mil gracias por el recordatorio! Los tengo en mi mochila.Thanks a lot for the reminder! I have them in my backpack.
- Gracias por el recordatorio.Thank you for the reminder.
- Muchas gracias por el recordatorio de la reunión.Thank you very much for the reminder about the meeting.
- Gracias por el recordatorio, casi lo olvido.Thank you for the reminder, I almost forgot.
Example conversation
A colleague reminds another about a deadline.
- ElenaJavier, no olvides enviar el informe hoy.Javier, don't forget to send the report today.
- JavierGracias por el recordatorio, Elena.Thank you for the reminder, Elena.
- ElenaDe nada, es un informe muy importante.You're welcome, it is a very important report.
- JavierLo enviaré ahora mismo.I will send it right now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries el, gracias, por, recordatorio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
