Inklingo

correos

/koh-RREH-ohs/

post office

A colorful, simplistic illustration of a small post office building with a classic blue mailbox placed prominently near the entrance.

This image shows the physical building where letters and packages are handled, known as a post office (correos).

correos(noun)

mA1

post office

?

The physical building or location

,

postal service

?

The official institution or system

Also:

mail

?

The system of delivery

📝 In Action

Necesito ir a Correos a enviar este paquete.

A1

I need to go to the Post Office to send this package.

El servicio de correos es muy eficiente en esta ciudad.

A2

The postal service is very efficient in this city.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • oficina de correos (post office)
  • cartero (mail carrier)

Common Collocations

  • buzón de correosmailbox
  • sello de correospostage stamp

💡 Grammar Points

Plural Noun, Singular Idea

Even though 'correos' is plural, it often refers to the single national institution or the main building, similar to saying 'the media' or 'the news' in English.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the Singular

Mistake: "Fui al correo."

Correction: Fui a Correos (or a la oficina de correos). When referring to the institution, the plural form is often preferred in Spanish-speaking countries.

⭐ Usage Tips

Capitalization

When referring to the official national postal institution (like 'USPS' or 'Royal Mail'), 'Correos' is often capitalized, especially in Spain.

A high quality storybook illustration showing a bright, stylized envelope icon floating digitally above a simplified computer monitor, representing electronic mail.

When referring to electronic messages, correos means emails.

correos(noun)

mA2

emails

?

Electronic messages

Also:

messages

?

Digital communications

📝 In Action

¿Puedes revisar tus correos y confirmarme la hora?

A2

Can you check your emails and confirm the time for me?

Tengo que responder a todos mis correos antes de la cena.

B1

I have to reply to all my emails before dinner.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • mensajes (messages)
  • e-mails (emails (less common))

Common Collocations

  • bandeja de correosinbox
  • responder correosto reply to emails

💡 Grammar Points

Shortened Form

This meaning is the short version of 'correos electrónicos' (electronic mails). We often drop 'electrónicos' because the context makes it clear you are talking about digital messages.

⭐ Usage Tips

Use the Plural

If you are referring to multiple digital messages, always use the plural 'correos.' The singular 'correo' is usually reserved for the general concept of 'email' or 'mail.'

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: correos

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'correos' to mean 'electronic messages'?

📚 More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is 'correos' plural if I'm talking about one post office?

In Spanish, 'Correos' (often capitalized) is often used to refer to the entire national postal institution or system, even if you are only visiting one branch. Think of it like a collective name, similar to how we might say 'the headquarters' or 'the news' in English.

How do I say 'email' (singular)?

You can use 'el correo' (the mail/email) or 'el correo electrónico' (the electronic mail). When talking about the address itself, you say 'la dirección de correo electrónico.'