recado
“recado” means “message” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
message
Also: word
📝 In Action
Si llama mi hermano, dile que me deje un recado.
A2If my brother calls, tell him to leave me a message.
Le di el recado a tu secretaria esta mañana.
B1I gave the message to your secretary this morning.
Me dio el recado de que la fiesta se canceló.
B2He sent word that the party was canceled.
errand
Also: chore
📝 In Action
Tengo que salir a hacer unos recados.
B1I have to go out to run some errands.
Mi abuela me mandó a un recado a la farmacia.
B1My grandmother sent me on an errand to the pharmacy.
Fui por el mandado y otros recados pendientes.
B2I went for the groceries and other pending errands.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: recado
Question 1 of 3
If you need to buy milk, go to the post office, and pick up dry cleaning, you are going to...
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Spanish verb 'recadar' (to recover or collect), which comes from Latin 'recapitāre', meaning to bring together or summarize.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'mensaje' and 'recado' interchangeably?
Often, yes. However, 'recado' feels more like a personal favor or a specific bit of information passed through a third party, whereas 'mensaje' is the general term for any message (text, email, etc.).
Is 'recado' formal?
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your mother, or a stranger at a hotel desk.
Why do some people say 'mandado' instead of 'recado'?
It depends on the region! In Mexico, 'mandado' is very common for errands, especially grocery shopping. In Spain, 'recado' is more common for all types of errands.