princesa
/prin-SEH-sah/
princess
The first meaning of "princesa" is "princess," referring to a female member of a royal family.
📝 In Action
La princesa visitó el hospital de niños.
A1The princess visited the children's hospital.
En los cuentos de hadas, la princesa espera a su príncipe.
A2In fairy tales, the princess waits for her prince.
💡 Grammar Points
Feminine Noun Rule
Like many Spanish words ending in '-a', 'princesa' is a feminine noun, meaning you must use the feminine article 'la' or 'una' before it.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
When discussing actual royalty or historical figures, use 'princesa' formally.
"Princesa" can also be used as a term of endearment for a female, meaning "darling" or "sweetheart."
princesa(noun)
darling
?term of endearment for a female
sweetheart
?affectionate nickname
,spoiled girl/woman
?implying someone expects special treatment
📝 In Action
Hola, princesa. ¿Cómo te fue en la escuela?
A2Hello, darling. How did school go for you?
Tráele el juguete, no seas así. Es mi pequeña princesa.
B1Bring her the toy, don't be like that. She is my little princess (sweetheart).
No puedes esperar que todos te sirvan; ¡deja de actuar como una princesa!
B2You can't expect everyone to serve you; stop acting like a princess!
❌ Common Pitfalls
Contextual Affection
Mistake: "Using 'princesa' as a term of endearment for someone you don't know well."
Correction: Only use this meaning with people you have a close, familiar relationship with (family, partners, close friends), as it can sound overly familiar or slightly sarcastic otherwise.
⭐ Usage Tips
Affectionate Diminutives
You can make this even sweeter by saying 'principesa' or 'princesita' (little princess).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: princesa
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'princesa' in an affectionate, informal way?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'princesa' is being used literally or as a nickname?
If it is capitalized (La Princesa Diana) or used alongside a formal title or country name, it is literal. If it is used casually by a relative or partner in everyday conversation (especially without an article like 'la'), it is almost certainly a term of endearment.