Leaving Cert Spanish Letter Writing: Format and Phrases

Mastering Letter Format

Letter writing appears regularly in Leaving Cert Spanish. Understanding format conventions and having ready phrases ensures you can tackle any letter question effectively.

Formal Letters

Opening

• "Estimado/a Senor/Senora:" - Dear Sir/Madam:
• "Muy senor mio:" - Dear Sir: (very formal)
• "A quien corresponda:" - To whom it may concern:

Stating Purpose

• "Le escribo para..." - I am writing to...
• "Me dirijo a usted para..." - I address you to...
• "El motivo de esta carta es..." - The purpose of this letter is...

Closing

• "Atentamente" - Yours faithfully
• "Le saluda atentamente" - Yours sincerely
• "Quedo a su disposicion" - I remain at your disposal
• "En espera de su respuesta" - Awaiting your reply

Informal Letters

Opening

• "Querido/a..." - Dear...
• "Hola..." - Hi...
• "Que tal?" - How are you?

Body Phrases

• "Te escribo porque..." - I am writing because...
• "Queria contarte que..." - I wanted to tell you that...
• "Hace mucho que no hablamos" - It has been a long time since we talked

Closing

• "Un abrazo" - A hug
• "Besos" - Kisses
• "Hasta pronto" - See you soon
• "Escribeme pronto" - Write soon

Common Letter Types

Complaint Letter

Expressing dissatisfaction formally:

• "Me veo obligado/a a escribirle para quejarme de..." - I am obliged to write to complain about...
• "No estoy satisfecho/a con..." - I am not satisfied with...
• "Exijo una explicacion" - I demand an explanation

Application Letter

Applying for jobs or opportunities:

• "Escribo para solicitar..." - I write to apply for...
• "Tengo experiencia en..." - I have experience in...
• "Estaria muy interesado/a en..." - I would be very interested in...

Letter to a Friend

Sharing news and experiences:

• "No te vas a creer lo que paso..." - You won't believe what happened...
• "Tengo muchas ganas de verte" - I really want to see you
• "Cuentame que tal todo" - Tell me how everything is

Exam Tips

• Check whether formal or informal is required
• Use appropriate register throughout
• Address all points in the question
• Check format conventions are followed
• End appropriately for the letter type