5

When writing formal letters in English where there is no named recipient (for example, a job application sent to a Human Resources department, or a letter sent to an organization in general as opposed to an individual), the letter often starts:

To whom it may concern:

When composing formal letters or emails in Spanish, what is the equivalent phrase used when the particular individual who will be receiving the letter is unknown?

1
  • In mi opinión it would be 'A quien pueda concernir'
    – user13361
    Aug 7, 2016 at 6:08

3 Answers 3

7

The literal translation is:

A quien corresponda

But it's more used in open letters (to journals for example). There are other formulas, for example:

  • In a job application:

    Al jefe/a (encargado/a) del departamento de Recursos Humanos

    or even:

    A la atención del departamento de Recursos Humanos

  • In a letter to wholesalers/ stores/... :

    A la atención del departamento comercial.

  • More general:

    Apreciado/a Señor/a (lit. Dear Sir or Madam)

5

One more acceptable form is:

A quien pueda interesar

I've seen this form used on documents issued by government agencies (ie. certificates of some kind)

BTW, Google translates it as A quien pueda interesar

2
  • 1
    In most cases "a quien pueda interesar" is just a poor literal translation from an English text. Not really used in Spanish (at least in Spain and Argentina)
    – Toulousain
    Jul 12, 2016 at 9:47
  • 1
    In Venezuela this is the most common form used. In both personal and official communication.
    – antorqs
    Aug 8, 2016 at 2:44
0

I am not a native speaker, but the phrase I was taught to use in "to whom it may concern" situations was:

Estimados señores.

1
  • 1
    "Estimados señores" could be the equivalent, I think, to "Dear sir or madam". The OP asked for a different translation. Do you have any resources to support your answer?
    – Charlie
    Oct 31, 2016 at 11:46

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.