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 brief written notes.

English → Spanish

mensaje

men-SA-hehmenˈsa.xe

nounA1general
Use 'mensaje' for any general form of communication, including texts, emails, voicemails, or brief 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
Choose 'comunicación' when referring to a formal announcement, a piece of news, or a statement, especially in a professional or official context.

Examples

Recibimos una comunicación urgente de la embajada.

We received an urgent message from the embassy.

recado

reh-KAH-dohreˈkaðo

nounA2informal
Use 'recado' specifically for a short note or message left for someone who is not present.
A colorful storybook illustration of a small sealed envelope resting on a wooden kitchen table next to a vase of flowers.

Examples

Si llama mi hermano, dile que me deje un recado.

If my brother calls, tell him to leave me a message.

Le di el recado a tu secretaria esta mañana.

I gave the message to your secretary this morning.

Me dio el recado de que la fiesta se canceló.

He sent word that the party was canceled.

Recado vs. Mensaje

While 'mensaje' is often used for digital texts (SMS, WhatsApp), 'recado' usually refers to a message passed between people, like a phone message or a note left on a desk.

Using 'mensaje' for everything

Mistake: “Leaving a physical note and calling it a 'mensaje digital'.”

Correction: Use 'recado' when someone tells you to tell someone else something. It feels more personal and human than 'mensaje'.

pensamiento

pen-sah-MYEN-tohpen.saˈmjen̪.to

nounB1general
Employ 'pensamiento' when the 'message' refers to the underlying meaning, idea, or opinion being conveyed in a speech or text.
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-dahembaˈxaða

nounC1formal
Use 'embajada' for an official communication or request, often historical or literary, 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. Specific Messages

The most common confusion is using 'mensaje' for all situations. Remember that while 'mensaje' is a safe default, words like 'recado' (note left for someone) or 'comunicación' (formal announcement) are more precise and appropriate in specific contexts.

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