Inklingo

How to Say "darling" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “darling” is “cariño” — use this as a general, very common term of endearment, similar to 'honey' or 'sweetheart', for partners, children, or close friends. It's a safe and widely understood option.

cariñoA1

Use this as a general, very common term of endearment, similar to 'honey' or 'sweetheart', for partners, children, or close friends. It's a safe and widely understood option.

Learn more →
tesoro🔊A1

Use this term of endearment when you want to express that the person is extremely precious to you, like a valuable treasure.

Learn more →
querido🔊A1

Use this affectionate term when addressing someone directly, especially in written communication like letters or emails, or as a general descriptor of affection.

Learn more →
angelito🔊A2

Use this affectionate term for someone, particularly a child, who is behaving exceptionally well or is perceived as very sweet and innocent.

Learn more →
amado🔊A2

Use this term to describe something or someone that is deeply loved and cherished, often implying a strong emotional connection or adoration.

Learn more →
nena🔊B1

Use this as a casual and familiar term of endearment, often for a girlfriend or a young female, similar to 'babe' or 'baby'.

Learn more →
preciosa🔊B1

Use this term of endearment specifically for a female, meaning 'beautiful' or 'gorgeous', to express admiration and affection.

Learn more →
princesa🔊B1

Use this term of endearment exclusively for a female, often a daughter or girlfriend, to convey a sense of them being cherished and special.

Learn more →
angel🔊B1

Use this to describe someone, male or female, who is exceptionally kind, sweet, and good-natured, often implying they are almost too good to be true.

Learn more →
English → Spanish

cariño

Noun (Term of Endearment)A1Informal
Use this as a general, very common term of endearment, similar to 'honey' or 'sweetheart', for partners, children, or close friends. It's a safe and widely understood option.

Examples

Hola, cariño, ¿cómo estás?

Hi, darling, how are you?

tesoro

teh-SOH-rohteˈsoro

NounA1Informal
Use this term of endearment when you want to express that the person is extremely precious to you, like a valuable treasure.
A smiling adult figure gently embracing a small child, illustrating a deep bond of affection and endearment.

Examples

¡Hola, tesoro! ¿Cómo te fue en la escuela?

Hello, darling! How was school?

No te preocupes, mi tesoro, todo estará bien.

Don't worry, my sweetheart, everything will be fine.

Gender Consistency

Even when calling a girl or woman 'tesoro,' the word itself remains masculine: 'Tú eres mi tesoro.' (You are my treasure/darling).

Using the Feminine Form

Mistake: “Using *tesora* when referring to a woman.”

Correction: The word *tesoro* does not change gender when used as a term of endearment. Always use *tesoro* for both men and women.

querido

keh-REE-dohkeˈɾiðo

AdjectiveA1Formal/Informal
Use this affectionate term when addressing someone directly, especially in written communication like letters or emails, or as a general descriptor of affection.
A hand writing a letter on paper, with a large red heart drawn at the top of the page.

Examples

Querido papá: Te escribo para contarte mis noticias.

Dear Dad: I'm writing to tell you my news.

Es un profesor muy querido por todos sus alumnos.

He is a professor beloved by all his students.

Mis queridas amigas, ¡qué alegría verlas!

My dear friends, what a joy to see you!

Matching the Noun

Like many describing words in Spanish, 'querido' changes its ending to match the person or thing it's describing. Use 'querido' for masculine (querido amigo) and 'querida' for feminine (querida amiga). For groups, use 'queridos' or 'queridas'.

Word Order

When used to mean 'dear' out of affection, 'querido' usually comes before the person's name or title (e.g., 'mi querido Juan'). This placement adds an emotional touch.

Confusing with 'Caro'

Mistake: “'Mi caro amigo' to mean 'my dear friend'.”

Correction: Use 'Mi querido amigo'. While 'caro' can sometimes mean 'dear', it usually means 'expensive'. 'Querido' is the best choice for affection.

angelito

ahn-heh-LEE-tohaŋxeˈlito

NounA2Informal
Use this affectionate term for someone, particularly a child, who is behaving exceptionally well or is perceived as very sweet and innocent.
A small, cute baby with tiny white wings and a golden halo, smiling peacefully.

Examples

El bebé duerme como un angelito.

The baby is sleeping like a little angel.

Mi abuela dice que mi hermano es un angelito.

My grandma says my brother is a little angel.

Pobre angelito, no sabía lo que estaba pasando.

Poor little thing, he didn't know what was happening.

The '-ito' ending

By adding '-ito' to the word 'ángel', you make it sound smaller and more affectionate. It's like adding 'little' or 'dear' in English.

Gender remains the same

Even though 'angelito' ends in 'o', it is almost always masculine. If you are specifically talking about a little girl, you can say 'angelita'.

Using it for adults seriously

Mistake: “Calling your boss 'angelito'.”

Correction: Only use this for children or very close loved ones, otherwise it sounds patronizing or sarcastic.

amado

ah-MAH-dohaˈmaðo

AdjectiveA2Formal/Informal
Use this term to describe something or someone that is deeply loved and cherished, often implying a strong emotional connection or adoration.
A colorful illustration of a child gently hugging a large, brightly glowing red heart, symbolizing deep affection.

Examples

Este es mi libro más amado; lo he leído diez veces.

This is my most beloved book; I have read it ten times.

Mi amado esposo siempre me apoya.

My beloved husband always supports me.

Gender and Number Agreement

Like all Spanish adjectives, 'amado' must match the gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) of the person or thing it describes: 'amada' (f), 'amados' (m. pl.), 'amadas' (f. pl.).

Forgetting Agreement

Mistake: “La ciudad es amado por sus habitantes.”

Correction: La ciudad es amada por sus habitantes. (Since 'ciudad' is feminine, 'amado' must become 'amada'.)

nena

NEH-nahˈnena

NounB1Informal
Use this as a casual and familiar term of endearment, often for a girlfriend or a young female, similar to 'babe' or 'baby'.
A smiling adult couple embracing tenderly, looking into each other's eyes against a simple background.

Examples

Hola, nena, ¿cómo estuvo tu día?

Hi, babe, how was your day?

Te quiero mucho, nena.

I love you so much, baby.

Nena, ¿quieres ir al cine esta noche?

Babe, do you want to go to the movies tonight?

preciosa

preh-SYOH-sahpɾeˈθjosa

NounB1Informal
Use this term of endearment specifically for a female, meaning 'beautiful' or 'gorgeous', to express admiration and affection.
A small, fluffy orange kitten sleeping peacefully, curled up in a ball.

Examples

Hola, mi preciosa. ¿Cómo te fue el día?

Hello, my darling. How was your day?

Gracias por la ayuda, preciosa.

Thank you for the help, sweetheart.

Using 'Mi'

When using 'preciosa' as a noun (sweetheart), it is often preceded by 'mi' (my) to make it sound more affectionate: 'mi preciosa'.

princesa

prin-SEH-sah[pɾinˈse.sa]

NounB1Informal
Use this term of endearment exclusively for a female, often a daughter or girlfriend, to convey a sense of them being cherished and special.
A warm storybook illustration showing an adult woman embracing a small child affectionately, both smiling.

Examples

Hola, princesa. ¿Cómo te fue en la escuela?

Hello, darling. How did school go for you?

Tráele el juguete, no seas así. Es mi pequeña princesa.

Bring her the toy, don't be like that. She is my little princess (sweetheart).

No puedes esperar que todos te sirvan; ¡deja de actuar como una princesa!

You can't expect everyone to serve you; stop acting like a princess!

Contextual Affection

Mistake: “Using 'princesa' as a term of endearment for someone you don't know well.”

Correction: Only use this meaning with people you have a close, familiar relationship with (family, partners, close friends), as it can sound overly familiar or slightly sarcastic otherwise.

angel

AHN-helˈaŋxel

NounB1Informal
Use this to describe someone, male or female, who is exceptionally kind, sweet, and good-natured, often implying they are almost too good to be true.
A smiling small child offering a bright red flower to an older adult, illustrating kindness.

Examples

Mi hija es un ángel, nunca se queja.

My daughter is an angel; she never complains.

¡Gracias por la ayuda, eres un ángel!

Thank you for the help, you are an angel!

Su novio es un ángel; siempre le trae flores.

Her boyfriend is a sweetheart; he always brings her flowers.

Gender Stays Masculine

When you call a woman or girl 'an angel,' the word 'ángel' itself remains masculine: 'Ella es un ángel.' (She is an angel.) You do not change it to 'ángela'.

Mixing up Gender

Mistake: “Mi hermana es una ángela.”

Correction: Mi hermana es un ángel. ('Ángel' is always masculine, even if the person is female.)

Distinguishing 'Cariño', 'Tesoro', and 'Amado'

Learners often confuse general terms of endearment. 'Cariño' is the most versatile and common for everyday affection. 'Tesoro' adds a layer of preciousness, and 'amado' is typically used for something or someone deeply cherished, rather than a casual greeting.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.