ternura
“ternura” means “tenderness” in Spanish (A feeling of affection or physical softness).
tenderness
Also: affection, softness
📝 In Action
Siento mucha ternura cuando veo a mi perro dormir.
A2I feel a lot of tenderness when I see my dog sleeping.
Ella me miró con una ternura infinita.
B1She looked at me with infinite tenderness.
La ternura del filete era increíble.
B2The tenderness of the steak was incredible.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: ternura
Question 1 of 3
Which verb is typically used to say a baby makes you feel tender?
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👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'tener' meaning soft, delicate, or young.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'ternura' masculine or feminine?
It is always feminine ('la ternura'). Most Spanish nouns ending in -ura are feminine.
What is the difference between 'ternura' and 'cariño'?
'Cariño' is more about the act of caring or general affection, while 'ternura' is specifically that 'soft' feeling you get when seeing something sweet or vulnerable.
Is 'ternura' a formal word?
No, it is neutral. You can use it in literature, with your family, or at a restaurant to describe your meal.