When is "saludes" instead of "saludos" correct for a closing salutation?

Question

When is "saludes" instead of "saludos" correct for a closing salutation? My instructor says the implied subjunctive "saludes" is better for closing an email or letter to friends, "saludos" is better for a formal closing salutation. My long time friend who has studied and spoken much Spanish in South America says no-never-nunca to any use of the the word "saludes" as a closing salutation.

Muchos Saludos or Muchos Saludes

Amancay

• Great question! - --Mariana-- Oct 26, 2009

Answer 1

Apparently in Ecuador:

R A E:

saludes.

(De salud).

1. f. pl. Am. Cen., Col. y Ec. saludos (‖ expresiones corteses). Les traigo las saludes de los amigos. En Ecuador, u. t. c. m. pl.

• excellent lorenzo - Heidita Oct 26, 2009

Answer 2

I wouldn't say that "saludes" is used by people with no-education. "Saludes" is included in a main reference for spanish speakers the "Diccionario de la lengua Española" (http://buscon.rae.es/draeI/SrvltConsulta?TIPO_BUS=3&LEMA=saludes), therefore it is a valid word. My mother tongue is spanish and I'm from Nicaragua; here we usually use "saludos", few people uses "saludes" and both are equivalent. However, I'd recommend you to use "saludos" because it is the dominant one, therefore it sounds better and more adquate in a conversation/formal letter/informal letter.

Answer 3

Interestign question and very good answer by lorenzo. My instinct was to tell you the same as your friends, saludes is incorrect. However, as you can see, it is a regional variety and if the "bible" RAE, says so, it is correct

• A regional variant. - samdie Feb 24, 2010

Answer 4

I am Ecuadorian and also a High Schoo Spanish Teacher. NEVER use saludes, is not proper. In Ecuador, unless you have not had education, we never use saludes.

Answer 5

gracias por todo