princesa
“princesa” means “princess” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
princess
Also: royal daughter
📝 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.
darling
Also: sweetheart, spoiled girl/woman
📝 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!
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: princesa
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'princesa' in an affectionate, informal way?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the masculine Spanish word 'príncipe' (prince). 'Príncipe' itself comes from the Latin word *princeps*, which means 'chief' or 'the first one,' referring to the highest-ranking person after the king.
First recorded: Around the 13th century in Spanish.
Cognates (Related words)
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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.