How To Write An Email In Spanish Like A Native: Start To End (2024)

After you start your language learning journey, you will inevitably get into a situation where you have to write an email in Spanish.

But how to write an email in Spanish like a true native? If you’re a native English speaker, you’re probably used to getting quick one or two-line emails from business partners.

In Spanish, it’s a bit more formal situation. Spanish native speakers use messenger apps (like Messenger, WhatsApp or Signal) to chat casually, but writing an email is a different thing.

Learn Spanish Fast made a short video on how to write an email in Spanish:

And now, let’s see how we can structure an email in Spanish!

1. Key email Spanish vocabulary

Before you start writing your email in Spanish, it’s good to be up-to-date with the general terms connected to writing emails.

2. How to write an email in Spanish

When you start structuring an email in Spanish, you should start with a greetings.

For a formal email, you can use “Estimado/a” or “Muy señor/a mío/a“. If you’re writing informally, you can start with a simple “Hola” or “Querido/a“.

Following the greetings in Spanish, continue with an opening line.

In a formal context, you can say “Espero que este mensaje le encuentre bien.” or “Le escribo para…“.

In an informal context, you might write “Espero que estés bien.” or “Te escribo porque…“.

How to start an email in Spanish

Next, write the body of your email.

Clearly state the purpose, use polite and respectful language, and organize your text into paragraphs.

For an informal email, use a conversational tone and feel free to be more personal.

Spanish vocabulary when writing the closing lines

After the main content of the email, you should have a closing line. Here are a few tips:

You can also read goodbye in Spanish to find the perfect way to say goodbye in Spanish.

3. Levels of formality in Spanish

The very formal level is used for official correspondence: writing to government officials, higher education authorities, or in legal matters.

The body should include formal titles and respectful language, organized into clear paragraphs with formal vocabulary and syntax. The signature should include your full name, title, and contact information.

In the formal level (common in business Spanish), professional, and academic settings, you can address colleagues, clients, professors, or other professionals.

The body should be short and clear, keep the polite and respectful tone without being overly stiff. Your signature should include your name, and possibly your title and contact information.

The semi-formal level is used when writing to acquaintances, colleagues with whom you have a friendly relationship, or in less rigid professional contexts.

The body can use a friendly yet respectful tone, being clear and direct without being overly casual. Usually, just your first name suffices in the signature, but you can add additional contact information if necessary.

For informal emails, which are used for friends, close colleagues, and family members, the language is casual and friendly. Begin with greetings like “Hola [Name],” or “¿Qué tal, [Name]?“, and use opening lines such as “Espero que estés bien,” or “Te escribo para decirte…“.

The body should have a conversational and personal tone, with informal language and expressions, possibly even some Spanish slangs. For the signature, just your first name or nickname is enough.

4. A formal email in Spanish

To show you how all of this works in real-life situations, here’s a template you can use:

Estimado Sr. Pérez,
Espero que este mensaje le encuentre bien. Le escribo para informarle sobre la reunión programada para el próximo lunes a las 10:00 AM. Por favor, confirme su asistencia.
Quedo a la espera de su respuesta.
Atentamente, [Su Nombre]

5. An informal email in Spanish

An easier way is to write an informal email:

Hola María,
Espero que estés bien. Te escribo porque quería saber si estás libre para almorzar este viernes.
Espero tu respuesta.
Un abrazo,
[Tu Nombre]

In English, this would sound like:

6. Practice writing an email in Spanish with Full Practice Worksheet Library

It’s important to practice writing emails in Spanish. And you’re in a lucky spot: we have just the thing for you. Fill in the missing blanks with the correct chunks!

You can practice more with our Full Practice Worksheet Library!

7. Learn how to write emails in Spanish with Conversation Based Chunking

With the Conversation Based Chunking method, you’ll learn how to write emails in Spanish by breaking down the learning process into manageable parts and using real-life conversational scenarios.

This method helps you build your language skills gradually in context.

To start with it, identify the key components of an email, such as greetings, introductions, body content, and closing remarks. Familiarize yourself with the common phrases and vocabulary used in each section.

Focus on one component at a time, concentrate on learning these specific elements without feeling overwhelmed by the entire email structure.

Next, practice writing these sections separately. Simulate actual email conversations by exchanging practice emails with a study partner or using language learning platforms (like Mondly) that offer conversational practice.

This will help you apply what you’ve learned in a realistic context and improve your ability to write coherent and effective emails in Spanish.

You can start working with the Conversation Based Chunking method right now!