Best wishes
in SpanishMis mejores deseos
/mees meh-HOH-rehs deh-SEH-ohs/
This is the most direct and standard translation for 'Best wishes.' It's perfect for written communication like greeting cards, formal emails, or signing a guestbook.
Wishing someone 'lo mejor' (the best) is common when they're starting a new chapter, like a trip or a new job.
💬Other Ways to Say It
Te deseo lo mejor
/teh deh-SEH-oh loh meh-HOR/
A very common and personal way to say 'I wish you the best.' The use of 'te' makes it informal, so you'd use it with friends, family, and people you know well.
Le deseo lo mejor
/leh deh-SEH-oh loh meh-HOR/
This is the formal version of the phrase above, using 'le' to correspond with 'usted' (the formal 'you'). It shows respect and politeness.
¡Que te vaya bien!
/keh teh VAH-yah BYEN/
An incredibly versatile and common phrase that means 'Hope it goes well for you!' It's an all-purpose 'best wishes' for something happening in the near future.
¡Mucha suerte!
/MOO-chah SWER-teh/
This literally means 'Much luck!' and is the go-to phrase for wishing someone well before a specific event where luck could be a factor.
¡Éxitos!
/EHK-see-tohs/
A concise and powerful way to wish someone success, especially in professional or academic contexts. It's like saying 'Wishing you success!' and is very common in Latin America.
Saludos
/sah-LOO-dohs/
Similar to 'Regards' or 'Best' in English, this is a standard, safe closing for emails and letters. It's less emotional than 'Best wishes' but serves a similar function.
Un abrazo
/oon ah-BRAH-soh/
Meaning 'A hug,' this is a very common and warm closing for messages. It conveys more affection than 'Saludos' and is used widely among friends, family, and even friendly colleagues.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Choosing the right phrase depends on formality and context. Here’s a quick guide to the most common options.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mis mejores deseos | Neutral/Formal | Written communication like cards, guestbooks, and formal emails. | Casual, everyday spoken conversations where it can sound too stiff. |
| Te/Le deseo lo mejor | Informal/Formal | Sincerely wishing someone well for a big life event (new job, move, etc.). | A quick, casual goodbye; it has a bit more weight to it. |
| ¡Mucha suerte! | Casual/Informal | Specific events with an element of chance, like exams or interviews. | Wishing someone success in their long-term career (use 'Éxitos' instead). |
| ¡Que te/le vaya bien! | Informal/Formal | An all-purpose well-wish for the near future; perfect for daily goodbyes. | Very solemn or serious occasions; it's more of an everyday phrase. |
| ¡Éxitos! | Neutral | Professional or academic achievements and new ventures. | Situations requiring luck, like a game or a test. |
📈Difficulty Level
Generally easy. The main challenges are the Spanish 'j' sound in 'mejores' (like the 'h' in 'hello') and the soft 'r' sound.
The main grammatical point is remembering to switch between the informal 'te' and the formal 'le'. Some phrases use a structure (subjunctive) that is advanced, but they are learned as fixed expressions.
High. The biggest challenge isn't saying the words, but knowing which of the many variations is most appropriate for a specific situation, formality level, and relationship.
Key Challenges:
- Choosing the right phrase for the context (luck vs. success vs. general well-wishes)
- Remembering to switch between informal 'te' and formal 'le'
💡Examples in Action
Para tu graduación, te enviamos nuestros mejores deseos.
For your graduation, we send you our best wishes.
Sé que la cirugía te preocupa, pero todo saldrá bien. Te deseo lo mejor.
I know the surgery worries you, but everything will be okay. I wish you the best.
Mañana es tu primer día en el nuevo trabajo, ¿no? ¡Mucha suerte!
Tomorrow is your first day at the new job, right? Lots of luck!
Gracias por su excelente trabajo en este proyecto. ¡Éxitos en todo lo que venga!
Thank you for your excellent work on this project. Wishing you success in everything to come!
Bueno, me voy a la reunión con el jefe. - ¡Que te vaya bien!
Well, I'm off to the meeting with the boss. - Hope it goes well!
🌍Cultural Context
Context is Everything
Unlike the English 'Best wishes,' which is a broad catch-all, Spanish tends to use more specific phrases. You'd say '¡Mucha suerte!' for luck, '¡Felicidades!' for congratulations, and '¡Que te mejores!' for getting well. Using the right phrase for the situation will make you sound much more natural.
Warmth in Written Closings
Don't be surprised to see closings like 'Un abrazo' (A hug) or even 'Un beso' (A kiss) in emails from colleagues or acquaintances in Spain and parts of Latin America. This reflects a generally warmer and more personal communication style and isn't necessarily romantic.
The 'Wishing' Structure with 'Que'
Phrases like '¡Que te vaya bien!' or '¡Que tengas un buen día!' (Have a good day!) use a special structure (called the subjunctive) to express hopes or wishes. You don't need to know the grammar rule, just remember that 'Que...' is a super common way to start a wish.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Overusing the Literal Translation
Mistake: "Using 'Mis mejores deseos' in a casual, spoken conversation."
Correction: Use '¡Que te vaya bien!' or 'Te deseo lo mejor' instead.
Confusing Luck with Success
Mistake: "Saying '¡Mucha suerte!' to someone starting a new business."
Correction: Say '¡Mucho éxito!' or '¡Éxitos!'
Forgetting Formality (Te vs. Le)
Mistake: "Saying 'Te deseo lo mejor' to your 70-year-old professor."
Correction: Say 'Le deseo lo mejor'.
💡Pro Tips
Match the Phrase to the Medium
As a rule of thumb, use 'Mis mejores deseos' for things you write down (cards, formal notes). For speaking, opt for more conversational phrases like 'Te deseo lo mejor' or '¡Que te vaya bien!'
When in Doubt, 'Que te vaya bien' Works
If you're ever unsure which phrase to use when someone is leaving or about to do something, '¡Que te vaya bien!' (or the formal '¡Que le vaya bien!') is almost always a safe, friendly, and appropriate choice. It's the Swiss Army knife of well-wishes.
Listen for What Native Speakers Use
Pay attention to how people say goodbye or wish each other well at the end of conversations. You'll hear these phrases constantly, and noticing who uses which phrase in what context is the best way to master them.
🗺️Regional Variations
Spain
'Un abrazo' is an extremely common and friendly sign-off for emails, even in semi-professional contexts. 'Venga, hasta luego' is also a very common way to say goodbye and imply 'best wishes'.
Mexico
'¡Que te vaya bien!' is ubiquitous for any kind of departure. 'Échale ganas' (Give it your all) is a very common and encouraging phrase that serves a similar purpose to 'best wishes' when someone is facing a challenge.
Argentina
For performers (actors, musicians), '¡Mucha mierda!' (literally 'lots of crap') is the equivalent of 'Break a leg!' and is a way of wishing good luck. It should only be used in this specific, informal context.
💬What Comes Next?
You wish someone well before an event.
¡Muchas gracias! Te lo agradezco.
Thanks a lot! I appreciate it.
De nada, ¡con confianza!
You're welcome, you've got this!
You end an email with 'Saludos' or 'Un abrazo'.
Gracias, ¡igualmente!
Thanks, you too! / Same to you!
¡Claro que sí!
Of course!
You wish someone well as they leave.
¡Gracias! ¡Cuídate!
Thanks! Take care!
Tú también.
You too.
🔄How It Differs from English
The main difference is specificity. English uses 'Best wishes' as a generic, all-purpose phrase for weddings, new jobs, holidays, and farewells. Spanish is much more contextual, using different, more precise expressions for each scenario. While 'Mis mejores deseos' is a direct translation, it's far less common in daily speech than its English counterpart.
Spanish expressions of well-wishes often feel more direct and personal than the somewhat detached 'Best wishes.' Phrases like 'Te deseo lo mejor' (I wish you the best) or 'Que te vaya bien' (May it go well for you) are directed at the person, making them feel warmer and more engaged.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to say congratulations
This is another key phrase for celebrating positive life events, often used in similar situations as 'best wishes'.
How to say get well soon
This is a specific type of 'best wish' for when someone is sick, and it's essential for showing you care.
How to say good luck
This is a more specific version of 'best wishes' that you'll use constantly before tests, interviews, and games.
How to sign off an email
Since many 'best wishes' phrases are used as email closings, learning the full range of options is a logical next step.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: Best wishes
Question 1 of 4
Your friend is about to take their driving test. What is the most natural and common thing to say?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it common to say 'Mis mejores deseos' in a conversation?
Not really. It's grammatically correct, but it sounds very formal and is almost exclusively used in writing, like in greeting cards or formal letters. In conversation, you're much more likely to hear 'Que te vaya bien' or 'Te deseo lo mejor'.
What's the real difference between 'Te deseo lo mejor' and 'Que te vaya bien'?
'Te deseo lo mejor' is a bit deeper and more heartfelt, used for significant life events like a new job or a move. 'Que te vaya bien' is a lighter, everyday phrase used for short-term things like heading to an appointment, going on a short trip, or even just leaving for the day.
Can I use '¡Mucha suerte!' for a wedding?
It's better not to. 'Suerte' implies luck or chance, and wishing a couple 'luck' in their marriage can accidentally sound like you think they'll need it to survive! Instead, use 'Mis mejores deseos' or '¡Muchas felicidades!' (Many congratulations!).
How do I know whether to use 'te' or 'le'?
Use 'te' (as in 'Que te vaya bien') when you would talk to the person using 'tú' – friends, family, people your age. Use 'le' (as in 'Que le vaya bien') when you would use the formal 'usted' – with older people, bosses, clients, or anyone you want to show extra respect to.
Is 'Saludos' the same as 'Best wishes'?
Not exactly. 'Saludos' is more like 'Regards' or 'Best.' It's a polite, neutral way to end a written message and doesn't carry the same emotional weight or specific well-wishes for an event that 'Best wishes' does.
I heard people say '¡Mucha mierda!' to wish good luck. Should I use it?
Only if you're in Spain or Argentina talking to a friend who is an actor or musician right before they go on stage. It's theatrical slang for 'Break a leg!' Using it in any other context would be confusing and likely offensive.
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