Friday, July 20, 2007

Business Spanish

Q: Writing a business letter, how do you translate Dear Sir?

A: The first definition the dictionary offers for dear is querido, not appropriate for a business letter. Querido, Georgetown University Professor Estelle Irizarry says is closer to my ardent lover than Dear Sir. Estimado or apreciado are the prefered adjectives for salutation. If the addressee is of a higher rank or you want to impress your utmost respect use: distinguido or respetable. Still not satisfied by the manifested subordination? Add the adverb muy, as in Muy distinguido señor Smith, Most distinguished Mr. Smith.

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1 comment:

R. Senserrich said...

Personally, I love using the old fashioned letter to editor convetion (in Spain): "Muy señor mío"