Inklingo

How to Say "to mail" in Spanish

English → Spanish

enviar

/en-byar//emˈbjaɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'enviar' when you are sending a physical item, like a letter or a package, through the postal service.
A colorful storybook illustration of a human hand gently tossing a small brown sealed box through the air, symbolizing the act of sending an item.

Examples

Necesito enviar este informe por correo antes de las cinco de la tarde.

I need to send this report by mail before five in the afternoon.

Necesito enviar este informe antes de las cinco de la tarde.

I need to send this report before five in the afternoon.

¿Me puedes enviar la ubicación por WhatsApp?

Can you send me the location via WhatsApp?

El presidente envió un mensaje de paz a la nación.

The president sent a message of peace to the nation.

Irregular Stress Shift

This verb is special because in the present tense forms except 'nosotros' and 'vosotros', the stress shifts onto the 'i' (envío, envías), requiring an accent mark. This makes it sound like three syllables instead of two.

Using Pronoun Helpers

When you send something to someone, you use an indirect object pronoun (me, te, le, nos, os, les) right before the verb: 'Le envío el libro' (I send the book to him/her).

mandar

/mahn-DAHR//manˈdaɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'mandar' when sending something, especially digital items like emails, or when the act of sending is emphasized over the physical delivery method.
A cartoon hand dropping a sealed brown package into a bright red mailbox.

Examples

Te voy a mandar un correo electrónico con los detalles.

I am going to send you an email with the details.

¿Puedes mandar este paquete por correo urgente?

Can you send this package by urgent mail?

Nos mandaron a casa temprano porque llovía.

They sent us home early because it was raining.

Direct/Indirect Objects

When you send something (direct object) to someone (indirect object), 'mandar' works just like 'to give': 'Le mandé el libro' (I sent the book to him/her).

Using 'Enviar' vs 'Mandar'

Mistake: “Using 'mandar' exclusively when 'enviar' might sound more official or technical (like sending a signal or a formal document).”

Correction: Both are interchangeable for emails or packages, but 'enviar' is sometimes preferred for purely electronic/technical sending.

Physical vs. Digital Sending

Learners often confuse 'enviar' and 'mandar' when referring to sending items. While both can mean 'to send,' 'enviar' is slightly more formal and often preferred for physical mail, whereas 'mandar' is very common for emails and general sending.

Related Translations

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