Which one should you use?
The phrase escribir correos is a very common, colloquial and shortened version of the full phrase escribir correos electrónicos.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In casual conversation, Spanish speakers often use the verb mandar (to send) instead of escribir (to write) when referring to the act of emailing. For example, you might say mandar correos to mean 'to send emails'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'to write an email' in the singular, you change the plural correos to the singular un correo, resulting in escribir un correo.
What mistakes should you avoid?
While English speakers might use the English word 'e-mail', it is more natural in Spanish to use correo or correo electrónico instead of escribir e-mails.
When do people say it?
When writing emails in Spanish, your choice of greeting and closing depends on your relationship with the recipient. For professional emails where you know the recipient's name, use Estimado/a for 'Dear'. If you do not know the recipient, use Estimados señores for 'Dear Sir/Madam'. For close friends or family, use Querido/a for 'Dear'. For the closing, Atentamente means 'Sincerely' and Saludos cordiales means 'Best regards', while Un cordial saludo means 'Warm regards'. You can also use Hola for a simple 'Hi'. Useful professional phrases include Le agradezco de antemano su atención (Thank you in advance for your attention), Quedo a su disposición para cualquier consulta (I remain at your disposal for any questions) and A la espera de su pronta respuesta (I look forward to your prompt response).
Did you know?
- In professional Spanish emails, the phrase Quedo a su disposición translates literally to 'I remain at your disposal', a level of formality that would sound overly subservient in a modern English business email.
- The word correo originally referred to the postal service or the mail carrier themselves, rather than the message being sent.
- While 'email' is used in English as both a noun and a verb, in Spanish you must use a helper verb like mandar or escribir because 'correo' is strictly a noun.
Examples in context
- Tengo que escribir correos electrónicos hoy.I have to write emails today.
- Ella prefiere escribir correos electrónicos en lugar de llamar.She prefers to write emails instead of calling.
- ¿Sabes cómo escribir correos electrónicos en inglés?Do you know how to write emails in English?
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are in an office during work hours.
- MateoLucía, ¿tienes tiempo para ayudarme?Lucía, do you have time to help me?
- LucíaSí, ¿qué necesitas, Mateo?Yes, what do you need, Mateo?
- MateoNecesito aprender a escribir correos electrónicos de negocios.I need to learn how to write business emails.
- LucíaNo te preocupes, yo te enseñaré.Don't worry, I will teach you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
