Inklingo

How to Say "to send" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to send” is “enviar” — use 'enviar' for the general act of sending any item, message, or even a person, especially when no specific formality is implied.

English → Spanish

enviar

en-byaremˈbjaɾ

verbA1
Use 'enviar' for the general act of sending any item, message, or even a person, especially when no specific formality is implied.
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 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-DAHRmanˈdaɾ

verbA1
Choose 'mandar' for sending messages, letters, or packages, often implying a more direct or personal instruction to send.
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.

cursar

koor-SAHRkuɾˈsaɾ

verbB2formal
Use 'cursar' when referring to the official processing and sending of documents or invitations by an institution or authority.
A hand placing a formal paper into a wooden inbox tray on a clean desk.

Examples

La secretaría ya cursó su solicitud de beca.

The office has already processed your scholarship application.

Debemos cursar una invitación formal al director.

We must send a formal invitation to the director.

The Paperwork Verb

In a formal setting, 'cursar' describes the movement of a document from being received to being handled or sent to the next stage.

remitir

rreh-mee-teerremiˈtiɾ

verbB2formal
Employ 'remitir' for sending formal documents or packages, often in a business or legal context, emphasizing the formal transmission.
A person in a professional uniform handing a large, sealed brown envelope to a postal worker.

Examples

Le remito el contrato firmado por correo certificado.

I am sending you the signed contract by certified mail.

Por favor, remita la documentación a la oficina central.

Please forward the documentation to the main office.

Deben remitir el pago antes del viernes.

They must remit the payment before Friday.

A More Formal 'Send'

While 'enviar' is the general word for sending anything, 'remitir' is specifically used when you want to sound professional or official.

Don't over-use in casual speech

Mistake: “Remití un mensaje a mi mamá.”

Correction: Envié un mensaje a mi mamá. 'Remitir' sounds too stiff for texting your family.

referir

reh-feh-REERrefeˈɾiɾ

verbB1
Use 'referir' specifically when directing someone to another person or place for help or information, not for sending physical items or messages.
A friendly family doctor handing a small business card with a medical symbol to a patient, pointing them toward a doorway.

Examples

Mi médico me refirió a un cardiólogo.

My doctor referred me to a cardiologist.

El profesor nos refirió a la página diez del libro.

The teacher referred us to page ten of the book.

Siempre refieren a sus clientes a la oficina central.

They always refer their clients to the main office.

The Stem Change

This verb is a 'boot verb.' In the present tense, the 'e' in the middle changes to 'ie' for everyone except 'we' and 'you all' in Spain.

Past Tense Surprise

In the preterite (past), the 'e' changes to 'i' in the third-person forms (he/she/they), like 'refirió' and 'refirieron'.

Forgetting the 'i' in the 'ing' form

Mistake: “referiendo”

Correction: refiriendo (The 'e' must change to 'i' in the gerund form).

Choosing Between 'Enviar' and 'Mandar'

Learners often confuse 'enviar' and 'mandar' as they are both common and used for general sending. While interchangeable in many casual situations, 'enviar' is slightly more neutral and versatile, whereas 'mandar' can sometimes imply a more direct command or personal instruction to send something.

Related Translations

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