a quien corresponda
/a kjen koresponda/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'to whom it may concern' is translated into Spanish as a quien corresponda. Wiktionary also lists a quien pueda concernir.
Meaning: phrase used to begin a formal letter to an unknown recipient (prep_phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| a quien corresponda | /a kjen koresponda/ (from spelling rules) |
| a quien pueda concernir | /a kjen pweda konθeɾniɾ/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /a kjen pweda konseɾniɾ/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
This phrase is used to begin a formal letter when the specific recipient is unknown. In Spanish, you should follow the phrase with a colon (:) rather than a comma to adhere to standard formal letter-writing conventions.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase a quien corresponda literally translates to 'to whom it may correspond'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The variation a quien pueda interesar is used in parts of Latin America and means 'To Whom It May Interest.'
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase a quien corresponda, the verb corresponda is in the subjunctive mood because the recipient is unknown or hypothetical.
Did you know?
- In Spanish business culture, using a quien corresponda is increasingly seen as too cold or impersonal, leading many to use Estimados señores even when the specific person is unknown.
- The verb concernir comes from the Latin word for 'sifting' or 'mingling' materials together in a sieve.
- In highly traditional Spanish legal documents, you may still find a quien pueda concernir, though this is now much rarer than a quien corresponda.
Examples in context
- A quien corresponda:To whom it may concern:This sentence is useful for seeing how to use a quien corresponda as a salutation.Tatoeba #1110543 by Eldad, translation #1110496 by Eldad
- Escribí una carta dirigida a quien corresponda.I wrote a letter addressed to whom it may concern.
- Usa 'A quien corresponda' para la solicitud.Use 'To whom it may concern' for the application.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are discussing how to format a formal document.
- Daniel¿Cómo empiezo esta carta formal?How do I start this formal letter?
- SofíaPuedes poner 'A quien corresponda'.You can put 'To whom it may concern'.
- DanielGracias, Sofía, eso suena muy profesional.Thanks, Sofía, that sounds very professional.
- SofíaDe nada, Daniel, espero que te sirva.You're welcome, Daniel, I hope it helps you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “to whom it may concern” translations, 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 a, concernir, quien, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
