cariñoso
“cariñoso” means “affectionate” in Spanish (describing a person's general personality).
affectionate
Also: loving, cuddly
📝 In Action
Mi abuelo es un hombre muy cariñoso.
A1My grandfather is a very affectionate man.
Tu perro es tan cariñoso que siempre quiere jugar.
A2Your dog is so loving that he always wants to play.
Le escribió una nota cariñosa para animarla.
B1He wrote her an affectionate note to cheer her up.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "cariñoso" in Spanish:
cuddly→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: cariñoso
Question 1 of 3
How would you describe a daughter who always gives her parents hugs?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Spanish noun 'cariño' (affection), which comes from the Latin 'carus', meaning 'dear' or 'beloved'.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'cariñoso' used for romantic love?
It can be, but it's much broader. It's used for the affection between parents and children, friends, and even how a pet behaves.
Can I use 'cariñoso' to mean 'cute'?
Not exactly. While affectionate things are often cute, 'cariñoso' specifically describes the action or personality of showing love. For 'cute,' use 'lindo' or 'mono'.
What is the difference between 'cariñoso' and 'afectuoso'?
'Cariñoso' is much more common in everyday conversation. 'Afectuoso' is a bit more formal and is often used in writing, like at the end of a letter.