Inklingo
Dictionary

afecto

ah-FECK-tohaˈfekto

“afecto” means “affection” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:

affectionB1Noun

emotional attachment or warmth

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fondB1Adjective

having an attachment to someone or something

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subject toC1Adjective

liable to a rule, tax, or condition

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affection, fondnessAlso: attachment

NounmB1
A small child hugging a large teddy bear tightly, showing emotional warmth.

📝 In Action

Ella siempre me muestra mucho afecto.

A2

She always shows me a lot of affection.

El afecto entre hermanos es muy importante.

B1

The affection between siblings is very important.

Les envío mi más sincero afecto a todos.

B2

I send my sincerest fondness to everyone.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • cariño (affection, fondness)
  • ternura (tenderness)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • mostrar afecto – to show affection
  • un gesto de afecto – a gesture of affection

fond, affectionateAlso: devoted

AdjectivemB1
A person smiling warmly while gently petting a loyal, happy dog.

📝 In Action

Mi abuela es muy afecta a los animales.

B1

My grandmother is very fond of animals. (Note the feminine 'afecta'.)

Somos afectos a las tradiciones navideñas.

B2

We are attached to the Christmas traditions.

Un hombre afecto a su trabajo.

C1

A man devoted to his job.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • inclinado (inclined)
  • adherido (attached)

Common Collocations

  • afecto a (algo/alguien) – fond of (something/someone)

subject toAlso: assigned to

AdjectivemC1formal
A simple, brightly colored house wrapped with a large red bow and ribbon, symbolizing it is subject to a condition or restriction.

📝 In Action

Los bienes afectos al impuesto serán notificados.

C1

The assets subject to the tax will be notified.

Este terreno está afecto a una servidumbre de paso.

C2

This land is subject to a right of way.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • sujeto (subject to)
  • ligado (bound)

Common Collocations

  • afecto a impuestos – subject to taxes

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "afecto" in Spanish:

affectionaffectionateassigned toattachmentdevotedfondfondnesssubject to

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: afecto

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'afecto' as a noun (a thing)?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
afectar(to affect, to influence) — Verb
afección(illness, ailment, condition (or: affection)) — Noun
afectuosamente(affectionately) — Adverb
🎵 Rhymes
perfectodirecto
📚 Etymology

Comes directly from the Latin word *affectus*, which meant 'disposition' or 'state of mind.' It is also related to the Latin verb *afficere* (to affect, to influence).

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: affettoPortuguese: afeto

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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.'