“Que te mejores pronto” is a warm, everyday way to wish someone a fast recovery in Spanish.
You want to say something kind. You just don’t want it to sound stiff, awkward, or like a copy-paste line. Spanish has a few “get well” phrases people use all the time, and the best pick depends on two things: how close you are to the person and how serious the situation feels.
This article gives you ready-to-send options for texts, cards, and quick messages. You’ll see when to use tú versus usted, what “pronto” adds, and small tweaks that keep your words from sounding flat. If you only learn one phrase, learn it well. Then keep a couple backups for different settings.
What People Usually Say When Someone Is Sick
In everyday Spanish, the most common “feel better” wish is built on the verb mejorar (“to get better”). The Real Academia Española includes a health-related sense of mejorar tied to regaining health. That’s why you’ll see it in short recovery wishes. RAE definition of “mejorar”
These are the lines you’ll hear and read most:
- Que te mejores. — “Hope you get better.”
- Que te mejores pronto. — “Hope you get better soon.”
- Mejórate pronto. — “Get well soon.” (more direct)
- Que te recuperes pronto. — “Hope you recover soon.”
That extra word pronto adds a simple time hint: soon. The Diccionario panhispánico de dudas notes pronto is often used as an adverb with senses like “in a short time.” It’s a clean, standard add-on when you want the wish to sound a touch more caring. RAE DPD entry for “pronto”
Hope You’re Feeling Better in Spanish For Texts And Cards
If you’re sending a quick text, keep it short and human. One clean line often lands better than a paragraph. Pick one of these, then add a tiny personal touch at the end.
Short Messages That Sound Natural
- Que te mejores pronto. Simple, friendly, widely used.
- Mejórate. Extra brief; best with someone you know well.
- Cuídate mucho. “Take good care.” Works even when you don’t know the details.
- Ánimo, ya verás que pasa. “Hang in there, you’ll see it passes.” Use when the vibe is upbeat.
Longer Lines For A Card Or Message
Cards give you room to sound a bit more thoughtful. Still, don’t overdo it. Two or three sentences is plenty.
- Espero que te mejores pronto. Te mando un abrazo. “I hope you feel better soon. Sending a hug.”
- Ojalá te recuperes pronto. Si necesitas algo, dime. Caring, with a clear door open.
- Que tengas una pronta recuperación. A polished line that fits well in writing.
If you’re not sure what the illness is, don’t name it. Keep the wish general and let them share what they want, when they want.
Saying You Hope They Feel Better In Spanish With A Natural Tone
Spanish gives you levels of closeness. The biggest switch is whether you speak to the person as tú (familiar) or usted (respectful). That choice changes the grammar of your message, even when your intent stays the same.
The Real Academia Española explains the two basic types: a familiar treatment (tú, and in some places vos) and a respectful treatment (usted). If you’ve ever hesitated before texting a boss or an older relative, this is the reason. RAE “tú y usted” overview
When To Use Tú
Use tú with friends, close coworkers, classmates, and family, unless you already have a pattern of using usted. If your chats are casual, tú usually fits.
- Que te mejores pronto.
- Espero que te encuentres mejor hoy. “Hope you’re feeling better today.”
- Mejórate y descansa. “Get well and rest.”
When To Use Usted
Use usted with elders, clients, teachers, or someone you don’t know well. It can still sound warm; it just carries more distance. The RAE’s “El buen uso del español” section describes forms of address as choices tied to the relationship between speakers. RAE on forms of address
- Que se mejore pronto. (to one person, respectful)
- Espero que se recupere pronto.
- Le deseo una pronta recuperación. (polite, common in cards)
If you’re writing to a group, the grammar shifts again. In much of Latin America, ustedes is the common plural in both casual and respectful settings, while vosotros is used in Spain for casual plural. If you’re not sure, ustedes is the safer pick in writing.
Common Phrases Picked By Setting
The same words can feel different depending on where you send them. A short text is not a formal email. A coworker chat is not a note to your professor. Use this table as a fast picker.
| Spanish Phrase | When It Fits | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Que te mejores pronto. | Text to a friend or peer | Warm, standard, no drama |
| Espero que te mejores pronto. | Friend, family, friendly coworker | Same meaning, softer delivery |
| Mejórate pronto. | Close friend, sibling | Direct, feels personal |
| Cuídate mucho. | Any closeness level | Works even when details are unknown |
| Que se mejore pronto. | Message using usted | Respectful grammar, still friendly |
| Le deseo una pronta recuperación. | Card, email, formal note | Polished tone that suits writing |
| Ojalá te recuperes pronto. | Friend or relative | Gentle wish with a caring feel |
| Te mando un abrazo. | Close relationship | Add-on line that feels human |
| Estoy pendiente de ti. | Close friend or family | Conveys care without being wordy |
Small Tweaks That Make Your Message Feel Real
A good recovery wish often has three parts: the wish, a bit of warmth, and a detail that shows you’re paying attention. You don’t need all three every time. One small detail can change the whole feel.
Add A Simple Context Clue
Context clues stop the message from sounding like a template. Keep it light and specific:
- Descansa hoy. “Rest today.”
- Ojalá puedas dormir bien esta noche. “Hope you can sleep well tonight.”
- Avísame cuando te sientas con ganas de hablar. “Let me know when you feel up to talking.”
Offer Help Without Cornering Them
In English, “Let me know if you need anything” is common. Spanish has the same idea, yet a small tweak makes it feel more concrete: offer one clear thing.
- Si quieres, te llevo sopa o té. “If you want, I can bring soup or tea.”
- Puedo hacerte un mandado, dime. “I can run an errand for you, tell me.”
- Si te apetece, te llamo más tarde. “If you feel like it, I’ll call later.”
Keep it optional. A sick person may not want to reply right away, and that’s fine.
Second-Person Choices That Change The Grammar
Spanish “you” is not one-size-fits-all. You’ll see tú, usted, and in many places vos. If you’re learning Spanish or texting someone from another country, this can get messy fast.
For a neutral default, stick to tú with peers you know and usted with people you don’t. If the person uses vos with you, mirror it next time. That’s often the smoothest move.
| Address Form | Example | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| tú | Que te mejores pronto. | Friends, family, casual peers |
| usted | Que se mejore pronto. | Elders, clients, formal distance |
| vos | Que te mejorés pronto. | Use when they use vos with you |
| ustedes | Que se mejoren pronto. | Group message in most regions |
| vosotros | Que os mejoréis pronto. | Group message in Spain (casual) |
| le (polite) | Le deseo una pronta recuperación. | Written notes, polite tone |
What To Avoid So You Don’t Sound Cold Or Strange
Most missteps come from translation habits. English and Spanish share a lot, yet literal swaps can feel off. Keep these pitfalls in mind:
- Don’t lean on “espero que estés bien” after they said they’re sick. It can sound like you didn’t read their message. Use a recovery line instead.
- Skip jokes unless you know they’ll land. Humor can help, yet it can sting when someone feels rough.
- Don’t guess the illness. If they didn’t share details, don’t fill them in for them.
- Don’t stack too many add-ons. One warm sentence plus one short extra line is usually enough.
- Don’t fear the subjunctive. Wishes often use que + subjunctive (Que te mejores). It’s normal, not fancy.
Ready-To-Send Message Templates
Copy one, then tweak a word or two so it sounds like you. A tiny edit is all it takes.
Friend Text
Que te mejores pronto. Descansa y avísame si te llevo algo.
Coworker Note
Espero que te mejores pronto. No te preocupes por hoy; lo cubrimos.
Formal Email Line
Le deseo una pronta recuperación. Quedo atento(a) a su regreso.
Card For Someone You Respect
Que se mejore pronto. Le mando mis mejores deseos.
Pronunciation Help For The Core Phrase
If you’re saying it out loud, aim for clarity over perfection. Here’s a simple, English-friendly breakdown:
- Que — “keh”
- te — “teh”
- me-jo-res — “meh-HOH-res”
- pron-to — “PRON-toh”
In many accents, the j is a strong, breathy sound from the back of the throat. Slow it down, keep it clear, and you’ll be understood.
One Last Check Before You Hit Send
Ask yourself two questions: “How close are we?” and “How serious does this feel?” Then pick a line that matches. If you want a safe all-purpose option for a friend, go with Que te mejores pronto. If the message is formal, switch to Que se mejore pronto or Le deseo una pronta recuperación.
Kind words, clean Spanish, no weirdness. That’s the whole play.
References & Sources
- Real Academia Española (RAE).“mejorar | Diccionario de la lengua española.”Defines “mejorar,” including the sense tied to regaining health.
- Real Academia Española (RAE).“pronto, pronta | Diccionario panhispánico de dudas.”Explains common adverb uses of “pronto,” including “en breve.”
- Real Academia Española (RAE).“10.6.2 tú y usted | Nueva gramática básica de la lengua española.”Summarizes familiar vs respectful second-person address in modern Spanish.
- Real Academia Española (RAE).“Las formas de tratamiento | El buen uso del español.”Explains what forms of address are and how they’re chosen based on the relationship between speakers.