Informal Letter Writing
Format, useful phrases, transitions, and an annotated example for writing informal letters in Spanish.
An informal Spanish letter is a friendly personal letter written to someone you know well, such as a friend, cousin, parent, or close family member. In CSEC Spanish, the key is to use the correct format, answer every cue, and sound natural without becoming too casual.
Format
Unlike a formal letter, an informal letter does not include your address or the addressee's address. At the top of the page, write only the place where you are and the date.
Example:
Kingston, 12 de enero de 2017
Use this order for the date:
place, day + de + month + de + year
Greeting
Use querido / querida / queridos / queridas when writing to someone you know well.
| Spanish | Use |
|---|---|
| Querido Rafael, | one male friend or relative |
| Querida Beatriz, | one female friend or relative |
| Queridos Beatriz y Rafael, | mixed group |
| Queridas amigas, | female group |
| Querido Papá, | father |
| Querida Mamá, | mother |
The greeting normally ends with a comma.
Paragraph Structure
Aim for 2 to 3 short paragraphs, plus the place/date, greeting, closing, and name.
| Section | Length | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| First paragraph | 20-30 words | greet the person and introduce why you are writing |
| Middle paragraph | 40-50 words | answer the cues with developed sentences |
| Final paragraph | 10-20 words | conclude, ask a question, and say farewell |
Opening Phrases
Start naturally by asking how the person is.
Informal Openings
Click any row to reveal its translation.
Then explain why you are writing.
Reason for Writing
Click any row to reveal its translation.
Linking Ideas
Use transitions to organise your answer and connect the cues.
| Purpose | Spanish phrases |
|---|---|
| Start | En primer lugar, Primero, Para empezar, Antes de todo |
| Add | También, Además, Asimismo, Por añadidura |
| Contrast | Sin embargo, Aunque, Por otro lado, No obstante |
| Continue | En segundo lugar, Para continuar, Segundo |
| Result | Por eso, Por lo tanto, Por consiguiente |
| Conclude | Finalmente, En conclusión, Para concluir, Al fin y al cabo |
Useful Idioms
Use one or two idioms only if they fit naturally.
Closing Phrases
Before the final close, you can ask a friendly question and tell the person to reply.
Final Sentences
Click any row to reveal its translation.
Use a friendly closing.
| Spanish | Best for |
|---|---|
| Un abrazo, | friend or relative |
| Un fuerte abrazo, | close friend or relative |
| Un fuerte abrazo de tu amigo, | close friend |
| Un beso, | close friend or family |
| Besos y abrazos, | close friend or family |
| Con cariño, | warm family/friend close |
| Con todo mi cariño, | very affectionate family close |
| Afectuosamente, | affectionate but slightly more polished |
Annotated Example
Click the letter to see how each part works.
Exam Checklist
Before you finish, check that you have:
- included the place and date at the top
- used an appropriate informal greeting
- answered all cues
- written in 2 to 3 clear paragraphs
- used transitions such as primero, además, and en conclusión
- included at least one natural idiom if appropriate
- ended with a friendly closing and your first name
Do not waste space on addresses in an informal Spanish letter. Use that space to answer the cues properly and show range with connectors, opinions, reasons, and a few natural expressions.
Practice
Write an informal letter to a friend about your plans for the weekend. Include:
- where you will go
- who you will go with
- what activities you will do
- one question for your friend
Use at least three connectors and one friendly closing.