Inklingo

How to Say "mail" in Spanish

English → Spanish

correo

/koh-RREH-oh//koˈreo/

nounA1general
Use 'correo' when referring to the physical items sent through the postal system, such as letters and packages, or the postal service itself.
A stack of colorful letters and a small brown package tied with twine, representing physical mail.

Examples

El cartero trae el correo a las diez de la mañana.

The mailman brings the mail at ten in the morning.

Tengo que firmar para recibir este correo certificado.

I have to sign to receive this registered mail.

Using Plural for Quantity

Mistake: “Muchos correos”

Correction: Mucho correo. The word 'correo' often acts like a mass noun (like 'water' or 'sand') when referring to the general delivery, even if it contains many letters.

carta

/KAR-tah//ˈkaɾta/

nounA1general
Use 'carta' specifically when you mean a single letter, especially one you have written or received.
A hand dropping a sealed white envelope with a colorful stamp into the slot of a bright red, traditional mailbox.

Examples

Escribo una carta para mi abuela.

I'm writing a letter to my grandmother.

¿Has recibido alguna carta hoy?

Have you received any mail today?

Envió la solicitud por carta certificada para estar seguro.

He sent the application by registered letter to be sure.

Always Feminine

No matter what kind of 'carta' you're talking about, it's always a feminine word. So, you'll always say 'la carta' or 'una carta'.

'Carta' vs. 'Letra'

Mistake: “Quiero escribir una letra a mi amigo.”

Correction: Quiero escribir una carta a mi amigo. 'Letra' means a letter of the alphabet (like A, B, C), while 'carta' is the message you mail.

postal

/po-stal//posˈtal/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'postal' as an adjective, usually in compound nouns, to refer to something related to the postal service, like a postal code.
A bright red, official street mailbox standing outdoors, with a white envelope being dropped into the mail slot.

Examples

¿Cuál es tu código postal? Lo necesito para el envío.

What is your zip code/postal code? I need it for the shipment.

La oficina postal está cerrada los domingos.

The post office is closed on Sundays.

Adjective Placement

As an adjective, 'postal' usually follows the noun it describes, such as in 'código postal' (postal code) or 'oficina postal' (post office).

Carta vs. Correo

Learners often confuse 'carta' and 'correo'. Remember that 'correo' is the general term for mail and the postal service, while 'carta' specifically refers to a single letter. You wouldn't ask for 'la carta' if you meant all the mail for the day.

Related Translations

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