queridos
“queridos” means “dear” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
dear, beloved
Also: loved ones
📝 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.
loved, wanted
Also: cherished
📝 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.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: queridos
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'queridos' as a direct term of address?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *quaerere*, which originally meant 'to seek, search for, or ask.' Over time, the meaning evolved in Spanish: if you search for something, you probably 'want' it, and if you want someone or something deeply, you 'love' them. 'Queridos' simply means those who are 'wanted' or 'loved.'
First recorded: Medieval Spanish (as a form of *querer*)
Cognates (Related words)
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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.