Inklingo
← Dictionary

querida

keh-REE-dahkeˈɾi.ða

dear

Also: beloved
A young woman sitting at a desk, smiling warmly while writing a letter, symbolizing affection and the start of correspondence.

📝 In Action

Querida abuela, te escribo para contarte mis noticias.

A2

Dear grandma, I'm writing to tell you my news.

Es mi amiga más querida, la conozco desde niña.

B1

She is my dearest friend, I've known her since I was a child.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • estimada (esteemed, dear (more formal))
  • amada (beloved (stronger))

Antonyms

  • odiada (hated)

Common Collocations

  • Mi querida amiga – My dear friend
  • Querida mamá – Dear mom

darling

Also: sweetheart, honey
NounfB1informal
A man and a woman sharing a warm, affectionate hug in a cozy domestic setting, illustrating a term of endearment.

📝 In Action

Hola, querida, ¿cómo estuvo tu día?

A2

Hello, darling, how was your day?

No te preocupes, querida, todo va a estar bien.

B1

Don't worry, sweetheart, everything is going to be okay.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • cariño (darling, honey (can be used for any gender))
  • mi amor (my love)

mistress

NounfB2informal
Latin America
A woman sitting alone in a richly decorated, private parlor, gazing out a window, suggesting a secluded or hidden life.

📝 In Action

La gente del pueblo susurraba que el alcalde tenía una querida.

B2

The people in town whispered that the mayor had a mistress.

Dejó a su esposa por su querida.

C1

He left his wife for his mistress.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "querida" in Spanish:

honey→mistress→sweetheart→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: querida

Question 1 of 1

In the sentence 'Todos saben que él tiene una querida en la ciudad', what does 'querida' most likely mean?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the verb 'querer' (to want, to love), which itself is from the Latin word 'quaerere', meaning 'to seek' or 'to ask for'. So, a 'querida' is literally 'a wanted one' or 'a sought-after one'.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: queridaGalician: querida

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if someone means 'darling' or 'mistress'?

It's almost always clear from the situation. If someone calls you 'querida' to your face with a smile, they mean 'darling'. If you hear people whispering that a man 'tiene una querida', they mean 'mistress'. The context of the conversation is your best guide.

What's the difference between 'querida' and 'amada'?

'Querida' is very common and means 'dear' or 'darling'. It shows affection and care. 'Amada' means 'beloved' and is much stronger and more poetic. You'd write 'amada' in a love poem, but you'd call your partner 'querida' when they walk in the door.