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How to Say "messages" in Spanish

English → Spanish

mensajes

/men-SAH-hes//menˈsa.xes/

nounA1general
Use 'mensajes' as the default and most common translation for 'messages' when referring to general communications, texts, or notes, especially in digital contexts like apps.
A bright red, sealed envelope with small white stylized wings attached, flying quickly across a clear blue sky, representing a message being sent.

Examples

Tengo que responder a todos mis mensajes de WhatsApp.

I have to reply to all my WhatsApp messages.

El presidente envió mensajes de apoyo a la comunidad.

The president sent messages of support to the community.

¿Dejaste mensajes en el buzón de voz?

Did you leave messages on the voicemail?

Masculine Plural

Since the singular form is 'el mensaje' (masculine), the plural form 'mensajes' must be used with masculine articles like 'los' (the) or 'unos' (some).

Plural Formation

To make 'mensaje' plural, you simply add '-s' because it ends in a vowel, making it 'mensajes'. This is a standard rule for Spanish nouns.

Incorrect Gender

Mistake: “La mensajes”

Correction: Los mensajes. Remember that 'mensaje' is one of those Spanish words ending in '-e' that is masculine, not feminine.

correos

koh-RREH-ohs/koˈre.os/

nounA2general
Use 'correos' when specifically referring to emails or electronic mail.
A high quality storybook illustration showing a bright, stylized envelope icon floating digitally above a simplified computer monitor, representing electronic mail.

Examples

¿Puedes revisar tus correos y confirmarme la hora?

Can you check your emails and confirm the time for me?

Tengo que responder a todos mis correos antes de la cena.

I have to reply to all my emails before dinner.

Shortened Form

This meaning is the short version of 'correos electrónicos' (electronic mails). We often drop 'electrónicos' because the context makes it clear you are talking about digital messages.

comunicaciones

/ko-moo-nee-ka-syo-nes//komunikaˈθjones/

nounA2formal
Use 'comunicaciones' for a broader or more formal concept of communication, such as official messages, telecommunications, or a body of messages.
A colorful illustration showing two stylized figures exchanging information via a bright connecting line that arches between their heads.

Examples

Las comunicaciones telefónicas fallaron durante la tormenta.

The phone communications failed during the storm.

Necesito revisar mis comunicaciones de la oficina.

I need to check my messages from the office.

Las comunicaciones modernas son instantáneas.

Modern communications are instantaneous.

Always Plural

Even though it comes from the singular noun 'comunicación' (communication), this word is almost always used in its plural form, especially when talking about systems or the general concept.

Feminine Agreement

Since this is a feminine plural noun, any adjectives describing it must also be feminine and plural (e.g., 'buenas comunicaciones').

Using the Singular for Systems

Mistake: “La comunicación está rota.”

Correction: Las comunicaciones están rotas. (Use the plural 'las comunicaciones' when referring to the network or system.)

General vs. Specific

Learners often use 'mensajes' for everything, but remember that 'correos' is specifically for emails. 'Comunicaciones' is less common for everyday messages and leans towards formal or technical contexts.

Related Translations

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