queridos
/keh-REE-dohs/
dear
When used in a formal address, 'queridos' translates to 'dear,' indicating a warm opening to a group.
queridos(Adjective)
dear
?used in letters or speeches to address a group
,beloved
?used as a term of endearment for multiple people
loved ones
?when used as a noun
📝 In Action
Queridos amigos, gracias por venir a mi fiesta.
A2Dear friends, thank you for coming to my party.
Mis queridos, cuídense mucho durante el viaje.
B1My loved ones (or my dears), take good care of yourselves during the trip.
El director se dirigió a los queridos alumnos con un mensaje de esperanza.
B2The principal addressed the beloved students with a message of hope.
💡 Grammar Points
Matching Gender and Number
Since 'queridos' is masculine and plural, it is used for groups of men, or mixed-gender groups. If the group is all female, you must use 'queridas'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Plural
Mistake: "Using 'querido' when addressing a group: 'Querido amigos...'"
Correction: Always make sure it matches the plural noun: 'Queridos amigos...'
⭐ Usage Tips
A Warm Greeting
Using 'queridos' is warmer and more personal than 'estimados' (esteemed) when starting a letter or email to people you know well.
The word 'queridos' describes people who are 'loved,' emphasizing the affection they receive.
queridos(Adjective)
loved
?describing people who receive affection
,wanted
?describing highly desired objects or items
cherished
?highly valued
📝 In Action
Los juguetes de la infancia son muy queridos por los adultos.
B1Childhood toys are very loved by adults.
Esos cuadros son tan queridos que no tienen precio.
B2Those paintings are so cherished that they are priceless.
💡 Grammar Points
Acting as a Past Participle
'Queridos' is the past participle of the verb 'querer' (to want/to love). When used as an adjective, it describes a state resulting from the action of loving or wanting.
⭐ Usage Tips
Ser vs. Estar
When describing someone's permanent state of being loved by others, use 'ser' (e.g., 'son queridos'). If you are describing a temporary feeling of being wanted, 'estar' might be used, but 'ser' is far more common.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: queridos
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'queridos' as a direct term of address?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'queridos' the same as 'amados'?
They are very similar! Both mean 'loved.' However, 'queridos' is much more common and versatile, often used in greetings ('Dear friends'), whereas 'amados' is usually reserved for deep, often romantic or religious, love, making it sound more formal or poetic.
Can I use 'queridos' to describe inanimate objects?
Yes, absolutely! You can describe objects like books, paintings, or old houses as 'queridos' if they are highly valued, cherished, or wanted by many people.