Buenos deseos
/bwenos deseos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "well wishes" is translated into Spanish as Buenos deseos.
What does it mean word for word?
Buenos deseos is composed of the adjective buenos (good) and the noun deseos (wishes).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you can use ¡Enhorabuena! to mean Congratulations!
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective buenos must agree in gender and number with the masculine plural noun deseos.
Did you know?
- To express well wishes specifically for someone who is ill, Spanish uses mejorate or que te mejores, which literally tells the person to 'make yourself better' rather than wishing for it.
- The phrase enhorabuena used for congratulations comes from the expression en hora buena, meaning 'in a good hour', implying the event happened at the perfect moment.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, expressing well wishes for someone's health often involves the phrase que Dios te bendiga, even among non-religious people, as a cultural way to wish someone well.
Examples in context
- ¡Felicitaciones por tu nuevo empleo! Te deseo mucho éxito en tus nuevas responsabilidades.Congratulations on your new job! I wish you a lot of success in your new responsibilities.
- ¡Que tengas una pronta recuperación! Espero que te sientas mejor muy pronto.I hope you have a quick recovery! I hope you feel better soon.
- ¡Felicidades por tu boda! Que esta nueva etapa esté llena de amor y felicidad.Congratulations on your wedding! May this new stage be filled with love and happiness.
- Les envío mis buenos deseos.I send them my well wishes.
- Gracias por tus buenos deseos.Thank you for your well wishes.
Example conversation
Daniel is starting a new job and María is congratulating him.
- María¡Felicidades por tu nuevo empleo, Daniel!Congratulations on your new job, Daniel!
- DanielMuchas gracias, María.Thank you very much, María.
- MaríaTe envío mis buenos deseos en esta etapa.I send you my well wishes in this stage.
- DanielLo aprecio mucho, de verdad.I appreciate it a lot, truly.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
