afecto
/ah-FECK-toh/
affection
Afecto as affection is shown through a warm embrace.
afecto(noun)
affection
?emotional attachment or warmth
,fondness
?a gentle liking
attachment
?a bond
📝 In Action
Ella siempre me muestra mucho afecto.
A2She always shows me a lot of affection.
El afecto entre hermanos es muy importante.
B1The affection between siblings is very important.
Les envío mi más sincero afecto a todos.
B2I send my sincerest fondness to everyone.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Rule
Even though it ends in '-o', remember that 'afecto' is a masculine noun and requires masculine articles ('el afecto', 'un afecto').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Feminine Form
Mistake: "La afecto es importante."
Correction: El afecto es importante. (The noun is always masculine, regardless of who is feeling it.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Closings
In formal letters or emails, you can sign off with 'Con todo mi afecto' (With all my affection/sincerely) to express warmth.
Being afecto means being fond of someone or something, like a beloved pet.
afecto(adjective)
fond
?having an attachment to someone or something
,affectionate
?showing love or warmth
devoted
?loyal
📝 In Action
Mi abuela es muy afecta a los animales.
B1My grandmother is very fond of animals. (Note the feminine 'afecta'.)
Somos afectos a las tradiciones navideñas.
B2We are attached to the Christmas traditions.
Un hombre afecto a su trabajo.
C1A man devoted to his job.
💡 Grammar Points
Required Preposition
When 'afecto' is used as an adjective meaning 'fond' or 'attached,' it almost always needs the preposition 'a' (to) right after it: 'afecto a algo'.
Agreement
Like all Spanish adjectives, it must match the person or thing it describes in both gender and number: 'afecto' (masc. singular), 'afecta' (fem. singular), 'afectos' (masc. plural), 'afectas' (fem. plural).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing Preposition
Mistake: "Soy afecto la música clásica."
Correction: Soy afecto a la música clásica. (You must include the 'a'.)
When something is afecto (or subject to a condition), it means it is liable to a rule or restriction.
afecto(adjective)
subject to
?liable to a rule, tax, or condition
assigned to
?designated for a purpose
📝 In Action
Los bienes afectos al impuesto serán notificados.
C1The assets subject to the tax will be notified.
Este terreno está afecto a una servidumbre de paso.
C2This land is subject to a right of way.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Usage
This meaning is usually found in written documents, contracts, or news related to law and finance. It means something is tied to or controlled by a specific rule.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: afecto
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'afecto' as a noun (a thing)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'afecto' the same as 'cariño'?
They are very similar synonyms for 'affection' or 'fondness.' 'Afecto' is slightly more formal or general, while 'cariño' often implies a warm, tender feeling and is extremely common in informal speech and closings (like 'Con cariño').
Does 'afecto' have anything to do with being 'affected' (pretentious)?
Yes, but this usage is rare in modern Spanish. The verb 'afectar' can mean 'to pretend' or 'to put on airs,' and 'afectado/a' (the past participle) is commonly used to mean 'pretentious' or 'artificial.' However, 'afecto' itself usually sticks to the meanings of 'fondness' or 'subject to rules.'