Inklingo

How to Say "memo" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “memo” is “recordatorio” — use this when 'memo' refers to a personal reminder, often for oneself or a close contact, to complete a task or attend an event.

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recordatorio

re-kor-dah-TOH-ryohrekoɾðaˈtoɾjo

nounA2informal
Use this when 'memo' refers to a personal reminder, often for oneself or a close contact, to complete a task or attend an event.
A colorful sticky note stuck to a computer monitor.

Examples

Puse un recordatorio en el móvil para ir al médico.

I set a reminder on my phone to go to the doctor.

Este correo es solo un recordatorio amistoso sobre la reunión.

This email is just a friendly reminder about the meeting.

Recibí un recordatorio de pago de la factura de la luz.

I received a payment reminder for the electricity bill.

Always Masculine

Even if you are a woman or the thing you are remembering is feminine, 'recordatorio' is always masculine. Use 'el' or 'un'.

Used with 'de'

To say what the reminder is for, use 'de' followed by the topic, like 'un recordatorio de la cita' (a reminder of the appointment).

Recordatorio vs. Recuerdo

Mistake: “Me gusta este recordatorio de mis vacaciones.”

Correction: Me gusta este recuerdo de mis vacaciones.

anotación

nounA2informal
Choose this for a brief, quick note jotted down for future reference, like a quick thought or observation.

Examples

Hice una anotación rápida en mi cuaderno para no olvidar la cita.

I made a quick note in my notebook so I wouldn't forget the appointment.

circular

seer-koo-LAHRθiɾkuˈlaɾ

nounB2formal
Use this for an official, general announcement or communication distributed to a group, especially within an organization or institution like a school.
A stack of identical printed papers being distributed into several different mailboxes.

Examples

El director envió una circular a todos los padres.

The principal sent a circular to all the parents.

Recibimos la circular sobre el nuevo horario.

We received the memo about the new schedule.

It's Feminine

When used as a noun meaning a memo or letter, it is always feminine: 'la circular'.

oficio

oh-FEE-syohoˈfiθjo

nounC1formal
This refers to a formal, official written document or letter, typically used between different departments, organizations, or authorities.
A thick, rolled parchment scroll tied with a red ribbon and sealed with a prominent golden wax stamp rests upon an ornate wooden table.

Examples

El juez envió un oficio a la policía para solicitar los informes.

The judge sent an official letter to the police to request the reports.

Tuvimos que responder al oficio del ayuntamiento rápidamente.

We had to respond to the town hall's official document quickly.

Formal Context

This meaning is very specific. You will only encounter 'oficio' used this way when dealing with bureaucracy, government, or legal matters.

Informal vs. Formal 'Memo'

The most common mistake is using informal terms like 'recordatorio' or 'anotación' for official company-wide communications. Remember that 'circular' and 'oficio' are for more formal, institutional messages, while 'recordatorio' and 'anotación' are for personal notes.

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