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How to Say "regards" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “regards” is “saludo” — use 'saludos' (plural) as a common and friendly closing for letters, emails, or messages, similar to 'best regards' or 'greetings'..

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saludo

/sah-LOO-doh//saˈluðo/

nounA1informal to neutral
Use 'saludos' (plural) as a common and friendly closing for letters, emails, or messages, similar to 'best regards' or 'greetings'.
Two stylized, friendly figures facing each other, both raising a hand in a simple wave gesture, symbolizing a greeting.

Examples

Te envío mis saludos.

I send you my regards.

Su saludo fue muy cordial y amable.

His greeting was very warm and friendly.

Al final del correo, puse un saludo afectuoso.

At the end of the email, I put an affectionate salutation.

Recibimos muchos saludos de cumpleaños por mensaje.

We received many birthday greetings via message.

Masculine Noun Rule

Since 'saludo' ends in '-o', it is a masculine noun and uses masculine articles (el saludo, un saludo).

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using 'saludo' (the noun) when you mean the verb 'saludar'.”

Correction: Remember 'saludo' (noun) is the act itself, while 'saludar' is the action (to greet).

deseos

deh-SEH-ohs/deˈse.os/

nounB1neutral to formal
Use 'deseos' in the plural when expressing good wishes, especially at the end of a letter or during holidays, like 'best wishes'.
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration showing two hands gently exchanging a small, brightly wrapped present.

Examples

Les deseamos un feliz año nuevo y nuestros mejores deseos.

We wish you a happy new year and our best wishes.

Les deseamos felices fiestas y nuestros mejores deseos para el próximo año.

We wish you happy holidays and our best wishes for the coming year.

Envía mis deseos a tu familia.

Send my regards to your family.

Fixed Phrases

This meaning of 'deseos' is often found in fixed, formal expressions, especially when signing off a card or letter.

recuerdos

reh-KWER-dohs/reˈkweɾðos/

nounA2
Use 'recuerdos' to refer to physical items bought as mementos of a place or event, meaning 'souvenirs' or 'keepsakes'.
A high-quality simple colorful storybook illustration showing a collection of souvenirs on a wooden shelf, including a miniature replica of a famous landmark, a seashell, and a pressed flower.

Examples

Compré unos recuerdos de mi viaje.

I bought some souvenirs from my trip.

Compré unos recuerdos en la Torre Eiffel.

I bought some souvenirs at the Eiffel Tower.

Dale mis recuerdos a tu hermana cuando la veas.

Give my regards/greetings to your sister when you see her.

Estos recuerdos de boda son muy bonitos.

These wedding favors/souvenirs are very pretty.

Social Use

When sending greetings, you must use the plural recuerdos. The most common structure is 'Dale mis recuerdos a [person]' (Give my regards to [person]).

Using the verb form

Mistake: “Using *recuerdas* (the verb form 'you remember') when you mean the noun 'memories' or 'souvenirs'.”

Correction: Always use *recuerdos* (with an 'o' and an 's') for the noun meaning. *Recuerdas* is only used when talking about the action of remembering.

respetos

/res-PEH-tohs//resˈpetos/

nounB1formal
Use 'respetos' in formal situations when conveying respect, often when sending greetings to someone's family or elders, like 'my respects'.
A person in a formal suit bowing respectfully to another person.

Examples

Presente mis respetos a su abuela.

Give my respects to your grandmother.

Le ruego que presente mis respetos a su esposa.

I ask that you give my regards to your wife.

Vine a presentar mis respetos al director.

I came to pay my respects to the director.

Mis respetos por lo que has logrado.

You have my respect for what you have achieved.

Using the Plural Form

While 'respeto' (singular) means the feeling of respect, the plural 'respetos' is almost always used for formal social actions, like sending greetings or visiting someone to show honor.

Respects vs. Respect

Mistake: “Saying 'Tengo muchos respetos por ti.'”

Correction: Say 'Te tengo mucho respeto.' Use the singular for the general feeling, and the plural only for formal greetings or high praise.

respecta

/rehs-PEHK-tah//resˈpekta/

verbB2neutral to formal
Use 'respecta' (from 'respetar') in the phrase 'en lo que respecta a' to mean 'regarding' or 'concerning' a specific topic or issue.
A person pointing their finger at a single red apple in a basket full of green apples.

Examples

En lo que respecta a la reunión, se canceló.

Regarding the meeting, it was canceled.

En lo que respecta al presupuesto, no hay cambios.

As far as the budget is concerned, there are no changes.

Por lo que a mí respecta, el trato está cerrado.

As far as I'm concerned, the deal is closed.

Esta norma no respecta a los ciudadanos extranjeros.

This rule does not relate to foreign citizens.

Using fixed phrases

This word is almost always found in the phrase 'en lo que respecta a.' Use this when you want to shift the focus of a conversation to a specific topic.

The 'C' Confusion

Mistake: “Using 'respeta' instead of 'respecta' (or vice-versa).”

Correction: Use 'respeta' (no C) for showing admiration/honor. Use 'respecta' (with a C) for things that relate to a topic.

Confusing Greetings with Souvenirs

Learners often confuse 'recuerdos' (souvenirs) with words used for greetings or wishes. Remember that 'recuerdos' refers to physical objects, while 'saludos' and 'deseos' are abstract expressions of goodwill or greetings.

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