Inklingo

How to Say "messenger" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “messenger” is “mensajero” — use 'mensajero' for a person whose job is to deliver messages, packages, or letters, similar to a courier or delivery person.

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mensajero

men-sa-JEROmen.saˈxe.ɾo

nounA2general
Use 'mensajero' for a person whose job is to deliver messages, packages, or letters, similar to a courier or delivery person.
A cheerful delivery person running while holding a sealed scroll, symbolizing the delivery of a message.

Examples

El mensajero llegó con un paquete urgente.

The courier arrived with an urgent package.

Esperamos al mensajero para firmar los documentos.

We are waiting for the messenger to sign the documents.

¿Quién es el mensajero que trae las cartas de la oficina?

Who is the person who brings the letters from the office?

Changing Gender

Since this word refers to a person's job, you must change the ending to match the person's gender: 'el mensajero' (male) and 'la mensajera' (female).

enviado

en-vee-AH-doenˈbjaðo

nounB2general
Choose 'enviado' when referring to someone officially sent to a place or event, like a special envoy or delegate, often for diplomatic or important missions.
A formally dressed diplomat carrying a staff topped with a small flag, standing before a stylized castle gate, representing an envoy.

Examples

El enviado especial llegó a la capital para negociar la paz.

The special envoy arrived in the capital to negotiate peace.

Los enviados de la ONU supervisaron la votación.

The UN delegates supervised the vote.

Referring to People

When 'enviado' is used as a noun, it means a person who has been sent on an official mission. Note that the female form is 'enviada'.

ángel

AHN-helˈaŋxel

nounA2religious
Use 'ángel' specifically when referring to a celestial or biblical messenger, often depicted with wings.
A luminous figure with large white feathered wings, wearing a flowing white robe, floating gently against a bright blue sky.

Examples

La iglesia tiene una estatua de un ángel con alas grandes.

The church has a statue of an angel with large wings.

Dicen que cada persona tiene un ángel de la guarda.

They say every person has a guardian angel.

Masculine Noun Rule

Even though angels are often depicted without a clear gender, 'ángel' is always a masculine noun in Spanish and uses 'el' or 'un'.

ordenanza

or-deh-NAN-thahordeˈnanθa

nounB1formal
Use 'ordenanza' for a person, often in a military or office setting, who carries messages or documents, similar to an attendant or messenger boy.
A friendly office assistant carrying a stack of papers and a tray with a glass of water.

Examples

El ordenanza me indicó dónde estaba el despacho del director.

The attendant showed me where the director's office was.

Ella trabaja como ordenanza en el palacio de justicia.

She works as an office assistant in the courthouse.

Los ordenanzas se encargan de repartir el correo interno.

The messengers are in charge of distributing the internal mail.

Gender Changes the Article

The word 'ordenanza' doesn't change its ending for men and women. Use 'el ordenanza' for a man and 'la ordenanza' for a woman.

Not 'Orderer'

Mistake: “Soy el ordenanza de este grupo.”

Correction: Soy el organizador de este grupo.

Don't confuse delivery people with diplomats!

Learners often use 'mensajero' for any kind of messenger. Remember that 'enviado' is for official representatives, and 'ángel' is exclusively for celestial beings. 'Ordenanza' is for someone carrying documents within an organization.

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