Two stylized figures standing and embracing each other warmly, illustrating a hug.

abrazo

ah-BRAH-soh

nounmA1

hug?physical greeting or sign of affection,embrace?formal or literary term for a hug

Also:cuddle?often implying a shorter, affectionate hug

📝 In Action

¡Qué alegría verte! Dame un fuerte abrazo.

What a joy to see you! Give me a strong hug.

Terminó la carta con un 'Te envío un abrazo grande'.

She finished the letter with 'I'm sending you a big hug.'

El abrazo de bienvenida fue largo y sincero.

The welcoming embrace was long and sincere.

Word Connections

Synonyms

achuchón (quick squeeze/hug (informal))
estrechamiento (clasping/tightening)

Antonyms

despedida (farewell)

Common Collocations

dar un abrazo – to give a hug
un abrazo de oso – a bear hug
fuerte abrazo – strong hug

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Rule

Since 'abrazo' ends in -o, it is a masculine word. Always use 'el' (the) or 'un' (a) before it.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Mixing up the verb and the noun

Mistake: "Using 'yo abrazo' (I hug) when you mean 'quiero un abrazo' (I want a hug)."

Correction: Remember 'abrazo' is the thing (the hug), and 'abrazar' is the action (to hug).

⭐ Usage Tips

Sign-off Essential

In Spanish-speaking cultures, 'Un abrazo' or 'Abrazos' is the standard casual closing for emails, texts, and letters, much like 'Best wishes' or 'Yours truly' in English.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: abrazo

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'abrazo' as a way to end a message?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

abrazar(to hug, to embrace) - verb

abrazable(huggable) - adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'abrazo' only used for physical contact?

No. While it means a physical hug, it is most often used metaphorically in writing (emails, texts) as a warm way to say goodbye, showing affection and goodwill without necessarily being there.