querida
/keh-REE-dah/
dear
As an adjective, querida means 'dear' or 'beloved' and is often used to start a letter to a female friend or relative.
querida(Adjective)
dear
?Used at the beginning of a letter or to describe someone you care about.
beloved
?A slightly more intense or formal way to say 'dear'.
📝 In Action
Querida abuela, te escribo para contarte mis noticias.
A2Dear grandma, I'm writing to tell you my news.
Es mi amiga más querida, la conozco desde niña.
B1She is my dearest friend, I've known her since I was a child.
💡 Grammar Points
Matching the Noun
As an adjective, 'querida' must match the person or thing it describes. Since it ends in '-a', it's used for feminine nouns. For masculine nouns, you use 'querido'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Gender Mismatch
Mistake: "Mi querido abuela."
Correction: Use 'querida' for 'abuela' because 'abuela' (grandmother) is a feminine word: 'Mi querida abuela'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Letter Writing
This is the standard, warm way to start a letter or email to a female friend or family member, just like 'Dear' in English.
As a noun, querida is a common term of endearment, meaning 'darling' or 'sweetheart', used when speaking directly to a woman.
querida(Noun)
darling
?A term of affection for a woman or girl.
sweetheart
?Another common term of endearment.
,honey
?Used like the English term of affection.
📝 In Action
Hola, querida, ¿cómo estuvo tu día?
A2Hello, darling, how was your day?
No te preocupes, querida, todo va a estar bien.
B1Don't worry, sweetheart, everything is going to be okay.
💡 Grammar Points
Used Like a Name
When used this way, 'querida' acts like a nickname or a name. You use it to talk directly to a woman or girl you feel affection for.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Everything
The tone of voice is very important. This is almost always said with warmth and affection between partners, family members, or very close friends.
In a specific, often negative context (B2 level), querida can refer to a 'mistress', a woman in a secret relationship with a married man.
📝 In Action
La gente del pueblo susurraba que el alcalde tenía una querida.
B2The people in town whispered that the mayor had a mistress.
Dejó a su esposa por su querida.
C1He left his wife for his mistress.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing the Meanings
Mistake: "Calling a female friend 'mi querida' in a formal setting where it could be misunderstood."
Correction: In most friendly situations, it means 'darling'. But be aware of this other meaning. The context—like talking about a secret relationship—makes the meaning clear.
⭐ Usage Tips
Pay Attention to Context
This meaning is almost always clear from the conversation. If people are talking about secrets, affairs, or cheating, 'querida' likely means 'mistress'.
✏️ 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
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.