Inklingo

How to Say "fondness" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “fondness” is “cariño” — use 'cariño' when expressing a warm, tender liking or affection specifically towards a person, like a family member or close friend.

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cariño

ah-FECK-tohaˈfekto

nounA2general
Use 'cariño' when expressing a warm, tender liking or affection specifically towards a person, like a family member or close friend.
A small child hugging a large teddy bear tightly, showing emotional warmth.

Examples

Le tengo mucho cariño a mi abuela.

I have a lot of affection for my grandmother.

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.)

afecto

ah-FECK-tohaˈfekto

nounB1general
Choose 'afecto' to describe a general feeling of liking or goodwill, often expressed outwardly, towards someone or something.
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.)

afición

nounA2general
Use 'afición' when 'fondness' refers to a strong liking or passion for an activity, hobby, or subject.

Examples

Mi gran afición es la fotografía de paisajes.

My great hobby is landscape photography.

debilidad

deh-bee-lee-DAHDdeβiliˈðað

nounB2general
Employ 'debilidad' when 'fondness' implies a special preference or indulgence, often for something you can't resist, like a food or a treat.
A smiling cartoon squirrel lovingly hugging a giant acorn, showing great fondness or special preference for that item.

Examples

Mi única debilidad son los helados de vainilla.

My only weakness (or soft spot) is vanilla ice cream.

El director tiene una debilidad por los estudiantes que trabajan duro.

The principal has a soft spot for students who work hard.

Using 'Por'

When you use 'debilidad' to mean 'fondness,' you must use the preposition 'por' (for) to introduce the object of your affection: 'debilidad por [something]'.

Distinguishing 'Cariño' and 'Afecto'

Learners often confuse 'cariño' and 'afecto'. Remember that 'cariño' typically implies a deeper, more personal, and tender liking, especially for people close to you. 'Afecto' is broader and can refer to a more general or expressed feeling of goodwill.

Related Translations

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