vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Saludos" is a form of "saludo", a noun which is often translated as "greeting". "Besos" is a form of "besos", a plural noun which is often translated as "kisses". Learn more about the difference between "saludos" and "besos" below.
el saludo(
sah
-
loo
-
doh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (salutation)
a. greeting
Sonia y Carlos intercambiaron saludos al encontrarse en el mercado.Sonia and Carlos exchanged greetings when they ran into each other at the market.
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Mis padres les envían saludos.My parents send you their regards.
Dale saludos de mi parte a tu abuela.Say hello to your grandmother from me.
2. (gesture)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Alfredo me dirigió un saludo con la mano desde el andén.Alfredo gave me a wave from the platform.
Nos saludó con la cabeza del otro lado de la calle.He nodded at us from across the street.
4. (military)
a. salute
El teniente le tendió un saludo al general.The lieutenant extended a salute to the general.
los Saludos
A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
a. Regards
Espero su respuesta. Saludos, Ana Álvarez.I look forward to your reply. Regards, Ana Alvarez.
b. Best wishes
Por favor, manden sus correos a esta dirección y les escribiremos de vuelta lo antes posible. Saludos, Departamento de Recursos Humanos.Please send your emails to this address, and we will write back as soon as possible. Best wishes, Human Resources Department.
c. All the best
Todos en la oficina te deseamos una pronta recuperación. Saludos, Roberto.Everyone at the office wishes you a speedy recovery. All the best, Roberto.
los besos(
beh
-
sohs
)A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
1. (gestures)
a. kisses
Las dos mujeres se encuentran por la calle y se dan dos besos en la mejilla.The two women meet on the street and give themselves two kisses on the cheek.
a. love
Mañana te texteo de nuevo para ver cómo estás. Besos, Laura.I'll text you tomorrow to see how you are. Love, Laura.
b. XX (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Clara me dejó una nota que decía "Hay pollo con arroz en el refri. Te quiero. Besos".Clara left me a note that said "There's chicken and rice in the fridge. I love you. XX."
el beso
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
4. (colloquial) (impact)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
a. collision
Se dieron un beso los dos coches pero a nadie le pasó nada.There was a collision between the two cars but no one was hurt.
