Inklingo

How to Say "notes" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “notes” is “notas” — use 'notas' for written memos, short messages you take for yourself, or grades received in school. It's the most common and versatile translation..

English → Spanish

notas

/NOH-tahs//ˈno.tas/

nounA1general
Use 'notas' for written memos, short messages you take for yourself, or grades received in school. It's the most common and versatile translation.
A report card displaying three large gold stars and successful green checkmarks, signifying excellent grades.

Examples

Toma notas de la reunión para no olvidar los puntos importantes.

Take notes from the meeting so you don't forget the important points.

Mi hijo sacó muy buenas notas este semestre.

My son got very good grades this semester.

Necesito que tomes notas de lo que decimos en la reunión.

I need you to take notes of what we say in the meeting.

El pianista tocó las notas equivocadas.

The pianist played the wrong notes.

Plural Form

This is the plural form of the feminine noun 'nota'. It works just like any other plural noun in Spanish.

Using 'notes' for 'banknotes'

Mistake: “Using 'notas' when referring to paper currency.”

Correction: While technically correct, it's much more common to use 'billetes' for paper money. Use 'billetes de 10 dólares'.

mensajes

/men-SAH-hes//menˈsa.xes/

nounA1general
Use 'mensajes' when referring to short written communications, like text messages or direct messages on social media.
A bright red, sealed envelope with small white stylized wings attached, flying quickly across a clear blue sky, representing a message being sent.

Examples

Revisé mis mensajes del teléfono y encontré uno de mi amigo.

I checked my phone messages and found one from my friend.

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.

comentarios

koh-men-TAH-ree-ohs/komenˈtaɾjos/

nounA2general
Use 'comentarios' for written explanations, remarks, or opinions about something, often in a formal or critical context.
A simple illustration showing a large, plain sheet of paper centered on a background, with three small, distinct, colorful sticky notes attached to the edges, symbolizing written comments or feedback.

Examples

El profesor hizo algunos comentarios útiles sobre mi ensayo.

The professor made some useful comments on my essay.

¿Qué comentarios tienes sobre el nuevo diseño de la página web?

What comments do you have about the new website design?

Recibimos muchos comentarios positivos después del concierto.

We received many positive comments after the concert.

Por favor, lean los comentarios del profesor antes de entregar el trabajo final.

Please read the professor's notes/feedback before handing in the final paper.

Masculine Plural

Remember that 'comentarios' is a masculine plural noun, so any adjectives describing it must also be masculine and plural (e.g., 'comentarios interesantes').

Using the Singular vs. Plural

Mistake: “Using 'un comentario' when you mean a collection of feedback, or using the singular verb form: 'El comentarios es bueno.'”

Correction: Always use the plural 'comentarios' and the plural verb 'son' when referring to multiple remarks: 'Los comentarios son buenos.'

toques

TOH-kehs[ˈto.kes]

nounB1general
While 'toques' can mean 'touches,' it's rarely used to translate 'notes' in the sense of musical tones; 'notas' is much more common.
Close-up view of three human fingertips gently making contact with a brightly colored, textured fabric or blanket, illustrating multiple points of contact.

Examples

A la receta le faltan unos toques de picante.

The recipe is missing a few touches of spice.

Necesita unos toques de sal para mejorar el sabor.

It needs a few touches of salt to improve the flavor.

Escuché unos toques en la ventana y me asusté.

I heard some knocks on the window and got scared.

La pintura tiene unos toques impresionistas muy bonitos.

The painting has some very beautiful Impressionistic touches (flair).

Plural of 'toque'

This is the plural form of the masculine noun 'el toque'. It means more than one 'touch' or 'knock'.

Confusing 'notas' with 'mensajes'

Learners often confuse 'notas' and 'mensajes' because both can refer to short written pieces. Remember: 'notas' is for personal memos, academic grades, or musical notes, while 'mensajes' specifically refers to communications like texts or DMs.

Related Translations

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