Inklingo

How to Say "message" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “message” is “mensaje” — use 'mensaje' for any general form of communication, including texts, emails, voicemails, or short written notes..

English → Spanish

mensaje

/men-SA-heh//menˈsa.xe/

nounA1General
Use 'mensaje' for any general form of communication, including texts, emails, voicemails, or short written notes.
A small, brightly colored bird flying across a sunny sky, carrying a tiny rolled-up scroll tied to its leg, representing a communication being sent.

Examples

Te envié un mensaje esta mañana. ¿Lo viste?

I sent you a message this morning. Did you see it?

Por favor, déjale un mensaje a tu hermana de mi parte.

Please, leave a message for your sister from me.

Recibí un mensaje de voz de un número desconocido.

I received a voicemail message from an unknown number.

Always Masculine: 'el mensaje'

Even though it ends in '-e', 'mensaje' is a masculine word. A helpful trick: nearly all Spanish nouns that end in '-aje' are masculine, like 'el viaje' (the trip) and 'el garaje' (the garage).

Don't Mix Up with 'Masaje'

Mistake: “Quiero un mensaje, por favor.”

Correction: Quiero un masaje, por favor. 'Masaje' means 'massage'. They sound similar but mean very different things!

comunicación

nounB1Formal/General
Use 'comunicación' when referring to a formal announcement, statement, or a piece of information being conveyed, often in a professional or official setting.

Examples

Recibimos una comunicación urgente de la embajada.

We received an urgent message from the embassy.

pensamiento

pen-sah-MYEN-toh/pen.saˈmjen̪.to/

nounB1General
Use 'pensamiento' to refer to the underlying meaning, idea, or opinion expressed in a speech or text, rather than the message itself.
A stylized illustration of a single, white cloud-shaped thought bubble containing a simple drawing of a bright red apple, representing a specific idea or concept.

Examples

¿Puedes compartir tu pensamiento sobre el nuevo plan?

Can you share your thoughts/opinion on the new plan?

Mi pensamiento es que deberíamos esperar hasta mañana.

My idea is that we should wait until tomorrow.

Using Plural for Feelings

When you want to express deep concern or affection for someone, you often use the plural: 'Te llevo en mis pensamientos' (I carry you in my thoughts).

Confusing 'Pensamiento' and 'Idea'

Mistake: “Using 'pensamiento' when talking about a clear, specific plan or invention.”

Correction: While sometimes interchangeable, 'idea' is often better for a concrete plan. 'Tengo una idea para el proyecto' (I have an idea for the project).

embajada

em-ba-HAH-dah/embaˈxaða/

nounC1Formal/Historical
Use 'embajada' for an official communication, often a formal request or a diplomatic message, typically delivered by a messenger.
A uniformed messenger formally handing a large, officially sealed scroll to another person, representing an official communication.

Examples

El mensajero llevaba una embajada urgente del rey al parlamento.

The messenger carried an urgent message from the king to the parliament.

Cumplió su embajada de paz con sumo cuidado.

He fulfilled his peace mission with utmost care.

General vs. Formal Messages

The most common mistake is using 'mensaje' for all situations. Remember that 'comunicación' is preferred for official announcements or statements, while 'mensaje' is for everyday, less formal exchanges like texts or emails.

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