Inklingo

How to Say "darling" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “darling” is “cariño” — use 'cariño' as a general, affectionate nickname for a loved one, similar to 'honey' or 'sweetheart'. It's very common and can be used for partners, children, or even close friends..

cariñoA1

Use 'cariño' as a general, affectionate nickname for a loved one, similar to 'honey' or 'sweetheart'. It's very common and can be used for partners, children, or even close friends.

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tesoro🔊A1

Use 'tesoro' when you want to express that someone is extremely precious and valuable to you, like a treasured possession.

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querido🔊A1

Use 'querido' as an affectionate adjective to describe someone you love, often seen in written greetings like 'Dear Dad' or when referring to a beloved person.

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amado🔊A2

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

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preciosa🔊B1

Use 'preciosa' as a term of endearment specifically for a female, emphasizing her beauty and preciousness.

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princesa🔊B1

Use 'princesa' as a term of endearment exclusively for a female, often a daughter or young girl, to convey affection and a sense of specialness.

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nena🔊B1

Use 'nena' as a casual and affectionate term of endearment, similar to 'babe' or 'baby', typically used for a girlfriend or a young girl.

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angel🔊B1

Use 'ángel' to describe someone who is exceptionally kind, sweet, and well-behaved, implying they are almost perfect in their goodness.

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English → Spanish

cariño

Noun (Term of Endearment)A1Informal
Use 'cariño' as a general, affectionate nickname for a loved one, similar to 'honey' or 'sweetheart'. It's very common and can be used for partners, children, or even close friends.

Examples

Hola, cariño, ¿cómo estás hoy?

Hi, darling, how are you today?

tesoro

teh-SOH-roh/teˈsoro/

NounA1Informal
Use 'tesoro' when you want to express that someone is extremely precious and valuable to you, like a treasured possession.
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-doh//keˈɾiðo/

AdjectiveA1Formal/Informal
Use 'querido' as an affectionate adjective to describe someone you love, often seen in written greetings like 'Dear Dad' or when referring to a beloved person.
A hand writing a letter on paper, with a large red heart drawn at the top of the page.

Examples

Querido amigo, te echo de menos.

Dear friend, I miss you.

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.

amado

ah-MAH-doh/aˈmaðo/

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

Examples

Mi esposo es mi amor más amado.

My husband is my most beloved love.

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'.)

preciosa

preh-SYOH-sah/pɾeˈθjosa/

NounB1Informal
Use 'preciosa' as a term of endearment specifically for a female, emphasizing her beauty and preciousness.
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 'princesa' as a term of endearment exclusively for a female, often a daughter or young girl, to convey affection and a sense of specialness.
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.

nena

/NEH-nah//ˈnena/

NounB1Informal
Use 'nena' as a casual and affectionate term of endearment, similar to 'babe' or 'baby', typically used for a girlfriend or a young girl.
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?

angel

AHN-hel/ˈaŋxel/

NounB1Informal
Use 'ángel' to describe someone who is exceptionally kind, sweet, and well-behaved, implying they are almost perfect in their goodness.
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.)

Choosing the Right Term of Endearment

The most common mistake is using gender-specific terms like 'preciosa' or 'princesa' for males, or overly casual terms like 'nena' in formal situations. Always consider the gender of the person and the level of formality before choosing your term of endearment.

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