Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Reminder in Spanish
Recordatorio · noun · reh-kohr-dah-TOH-ree-oh
The Spanish word for reminder is 'recordatorio,' derived from the verb 'recordar' (to remember/remind). It covers all types of reminders: phone notifications, calendar alerts, sticky notes, and verbal reminders. The related verb phrase 'recordar a alguien algo' means 'to remind someone of something.'
Pronounced reh-kohr-dah-TOH-ree-oh with stress on the fifth syllable. Six syllables total — it's a long word but follows a completely regular stress pattern with the accent on the penultimate syllable.
Pon un recordatorio en tu teléfono para la reunión de mañana.
Set a reminder on your phone for tomorrow's meeting.
Reminder in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for reminder, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| recordatorio | reminder | reh-kohr-dah-TOH-ree-oh | Default, widely understood |
| aviso | reminder | notice/alert | |
| nota | reminder | memo/reminder note |
How Native Speakers Use Recordatorio
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Technology
Le pedí a mi asistente virtual que me pusiera un recordatorio a las tres.
I asked my virtual assistant to set me a reminder at three.
Modern tech context showing how 'recordatorio' is used with digital devices.
Formal notice
Este es un recordatorio de que su pago vence el viernes.
This is a reminder that your payment is due on Friday.
Business communication style reminder, common in emails and notices.
Personal
Gracias por el recordatorio, casi se me olvida la cita con el dentista.
Thanks for the reminder, I almost forgot the dentist appointment.
Casual personal exchange showing gratitude for being reminded.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Recordatorio
Using 'recordar' as a noun
Incorrect: Necesito un recordar para mañana.
Correct: Necesito un recordatorio para mañana.
'Recordar' is a verb (to remember). The noun form is 'recordatorio.' This is like saying 'I need a remember' instead of 'I need a reminder' in English.
Confusing 'recordatorio' with 'recuerdo'
Incorrect: Ponme un recuerdo de la reunión.
Correct: Ponme un recordatorio de la reunión.
A 'recuerdo' is a memory or souvenir, while a 'recordatorio' is a reminder/notification. Though both come from 'recordar,' they serve different functions.
Lock in Reminder Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Recordatorio used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using recordatorio in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Pon un recordatorio en tu teléfono para la reunión de mañana. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.
Common Questions About Reminder in Spanish
- What's the difference between 'recordatorio' and 'recuerdo'?
- A 'recordatorio' is a reminder (something that prompts future action), while a 'recuerdo' is a memory or a souvenir (something from the past) — both derive from the verb 'recordar' but point in opposite temporal directions.
- How do I say 'remind me' in Spanish?
- The phrase 'remind me' translates as 'recuérdame' (informal) or 'recuérdeme' (formal), conjugating the imperative of 'recordar' — for example, 'recuérdame comprar leche' (remind me to buy milk).
- Can I use 'aviso' instead of 'recordatorio'?
- The word 'aviso' means notice or warning and can sometimes function as a reminder in certain contexts, but it carries more of a cautionary tone — 'recordatorio' is specifically a memory-aid while 'aviso' is more of an alert or notification.