Writing familiar letters in Spanish is similar to writing letters in English except that Spanish letters tend to be more cordial, use more flowery language and express a lot of emotion. In general, the format is more polite and formal than in English. Also at the beginning as well as the end of the letter, it is necessary to send salutations (greetings) to all family members and friends and wish them good health.
Look at the formula below and study the format of a friendly letter in Spanish. First, start with one of these opening salutations: Querido(a) Amigo(a) (Dear Friend); or Queridísimo (a) (Dearest) or Amor de mi vida (My love). Next, begin the body of the letter with a phrase asking about one’s family – Espero que todos se encuentren bien (I hope everyone is well). Then, write anything you want in the rest of the body of the letter just as in English. Use a final salutation like – Muchos saludos para todos (Say hello to everyone). Finally, close your letter with a phrase like – Con todo cariño (Affectionately…) followed by your signature.
The format for writing business letters or those to strangers is not that much different from the way we write friendly letters. You should start your letter with one of the following salutations (greetings) which are roughly the equivalent of “Dear Sir,” “Gentleman” or “Dear Madam”: Muy Señora mía (from one person to a woman); Muy Señor mío (from one person to a gentleman); or Estimados Señores (Dear Sirs).
The body of the business letter usually begins with a brief sentence that indicates the purpose of the letter. The simplest conclusion for a formal business letter is: Quedamos de Ustedes su atto. y S.S. (Sincerely Yours) followed by your signature below.
Finally addressing an envelope in Spanish is done exactly the way we do in English. First, put the sender’s name, address and other pertinent information in the upper left corner. Then put the name of the person who you are sending the letter to in the usual place – in the center of the envelope.
Tiquismo of the week:
Con toda la pata means your are fantastic or great, etc.
