A colon signals a close link or opens a formal letter.
The idea
Place a colon after an introductory expression before a list, or between statements when the second explains the first. Normally use lowercase afterward; after a letter greeting, start a new paragraph with a capital.
Examples
- Necesitamos tres materiales: papel, cuerda y pintura.We need three materials: paper, string and paint.
- El camino estaba cerrado: había caído un árbol.The path was closed: a tree had fallen.
- Estimado equipo: les escribo para solicitar información.Dear team, I am writing to request information.
- La receta lleva dos frutas: peras y ciruelas.The recipe contains two fruits: pears and plums.
- No salimos al monte: empezó una tormenta.We did not go to the hills: a storm began.
- Estimada directora: Le agradezco su respuesta.Dear Director, Thank you for your reply.
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Watch out
Do not insert a colon between a verb and its direct object when no introducing expression precedes the list.
Try it yourself
Which mark introduces the list after the phrase “two tools”? (dos puntos / coma) Trajo dos herramientas: martillo y llave.
Show answer or example answer
dos puntos
dos puntos introduces the list after its introductory phrase.
What letter case normally follows the colon before an explanation in the same sentence? (minúscula / mayúscula) La sala cerró: faltaba luz.
Show answer or example answer
minúscula
minúscula suits the explanation within the same sentence.
After a formal letter greeting and colon, how does the next paragraph begin? (mayúscula / minúscula) Estimado comité: ___gradezco su respuesta.
Show answer or example answer
mayúscula
mayúscula begins the new paragraph after the greeting.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Spanish sentences where available. We keep your score.
Which mark introduces the list after the phrase “two tools”? (dos puntos / coma) Trajo dos herramientas: martillo y llave.
What letter case normally follows the colon before an explanation in the same sentence? (minúscula / mayúscula) La sala cerró: faltaba luz.
After a formal letter greeting and colon, how does the next paragraph begin? (mayúscula / minúscula) Estimado comité: ___gradezco su respuesta.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Write a formal greeting and an explanation using colons.