Inklingo

How to Say "affection" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “affection” is “cariño” — use 'cariño' for a general feeling of fondness or warmth, often used for people or pets you feel a close, familiar connection with.

cariñoA2

Use 'cariño' for a general feeling of fondness or warmth, often used for people or pets you feel a close, familiar connection with.

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afecto🔊B1

Choose 'afecto' to describe a more general emotional attachment or warmth, often used in contexts where you want to express a sincere and positive emotional state.

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amor🔊A1

Use 'amor' when the feeling is intense and deep, akin to love, particularly in familial or romantic contexts.

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ternura🔊B1

Opt for 'ternura' when you want to convey a gentle, tender feeling of fondness, often evoked by something or someone perceived as sweet or endearing.

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afecciónC1

Use 'afección' to describe a strong emotional attachment or fondness, often implying a deep, perhaps intellectual or habitual, connection.

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English → Spanish

cariño

nounA2general
Use 'cariño' for a general feeling of fondness or warmth, often used for people or pets you feel a close, familiar connection with.

Examples

Le tengo mucho cariño a mi abuela.

I have a lot of affection for my grandmother.

afecto

ah-FECK-tohaˈfekto

nounB1general
Choose 'afecto' to describe a more general emotional attachment or warmth, often used in contexts where you want to express a sincere and positive emotional state.
A small child hugging a large teddy bear tightly, showing emotional warmth.

Examples

Ella siempre me muestra mucho afecto.

She always shows me a lot of affection.

El afecto entre hermanos es muy importante.

The affection between siblings is very important.

Les envío mi más sincero afecto a todos.

I send my sincerest fondness to everyone.

Gender Rule

Even though it ends in '-o', remember that 'afecto' is a masculine noun and requires masculine articles ('el afecto', 'un afecto').

Using the Feminine Form

Mistake: “La afecto es importante.”

Correction: El afecto es importante. (The noun is always masculine, regardless of who is feeling it.)

amor

ah-moraˈmoɾ

nounA1general
Use 'amor' when the feeling is intense and deep, akin to love, particularly in familial or romantic contexts.
A heartwarming depiction of a mother gently embracing her young child, illustrating deep affection and unconditional love.

Examples

El amor de una madre es incondicional.

A mother's love is unconditional.

Siento un gran amor por ti.

I feel a great love for you.

Tiene un amor increíble por la música clásica.

He has an incredible love for classical music.

Always Masculine: 'el amor'

Even when you're talking about love for a woman or something seen as feminine, the word 'amor' itself is always masculine. So, you'll always say 'el amor' (the love) or 'un amor' (a love).

Using 'amor' for Everyday 'Likes'

Mistake: “Tengo amor por la pizza.”

Correction: Me encanta la pizza. 'Amor' is a very strong word, usually saved for people, pets, or deep passions like art or music. For everyday things you enjoy, even a lot, it's more natural to use 'me gusta' (I like) or 'me encanta' (I love/adore).

ternura

ter-NOO-rahteɾˈnuɾa

nounB1general
Opt for 'ternura' when you want to convey a gentle, tender feeling of fondness, often evoked by something or someone perceived as sweet or endearing.
A gentle illustration of a person's hand softly stroking a small kitten.

Examples

Siento mucha ternura cuando veo a mi perro dormir.

I feel a lot of tenderness when I see my dog sleeping.

Ella me miró con una ternura infinita.

She looked at me with infinite tenderness.

La ternura del filete era increíble.

The tenderness of the steak was incredible.

Using 'Dar' vs 'Sentir'

To say something is 'cute' or makes you feel tender, use the verb 'dar' (to give). For example: 'Ese gato me da ternura' (That cat gives me tenderness/makes me feel tender).

Abstract Nouns

Like many Spanish words ending in '-ura', this is an abstract noun. It describes a quality rather than a physical object you can hold.

Ternura vs. Tierno

Mistake: “Esa película es mucha ternura.”

Correction: Esa película tiene mucha ternura OR Esa película es muy tierna.

afección

nounC1formal
Use 'afección' to describe a strong emotional attachment or fondness, often implying a deep, perhaps intellectual or habitual, connection.

Examples

Siente una profunda afección por los libros antiguos.

He feels a deep affection for old books.

Choosing Between 'Cariño', 'Afecto', and 'Amor'

Learners often confuse 'cariño' and 'afecto' because both express fondness. 'Cariño' is generally more common for everyday warmth towards people or pets, while 'afecto' can sound slightly more formal or abstract. 'Amor' should be reserved for stronger, deeper feelings akin to love.

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