Inklingo

How to Say "honey" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “honey” is “cariño” — use this as a general, affectionate nickname for a partner, child, or close friend when you want to express fondness.

cariñoA1

Use this as a general, affectionate nickname for a partner, child, or close friend when you want to express fondness.

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miel🔊A1

This is the literal translation for the sweet, sticky substance produced by bees, commonly used as a food.

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baby🔊A2

Use this informal, English-loanword term to address a romantic partner or close friend in a very casual setting.

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papi🔊A2

This term is used as a term of endearment, often by a romantic partner, to address a male affectionately.

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nene🔊B1

Use this affectionate term to address a child or a romantic partner in a familiar and loving way.

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nena🔊B1

This term can be used affectionately for a romantic partner or child, but be cautious as it can sound patronizing to strangers.

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querida🔊B1

Use this term to affectionately address a female partner or close friend, similar to 'darling' in English.

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hija🔊B1

This term, literally 'daughter,' is used affectionately by older people to address younger women they feel close to.

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mami🔊B2

This term, literally 'mommy,' is used as an affectionate and sometimes flirtatious term of endearment, often between partners.

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English → Spanish

cariño

Noun (Term of Endearment)A1Informal
Use this as a general, affectionate nickname for a partner, child, or close friend when you want to express fondness.

Examples

Hola, cariño, ¿cómo estás?

Hi, darling, how are you?

miel

myelmjel

nounA1Neutral
This is the literal translation for the sweet, sticky substance produced by bees, commonly used as a food.
A glass jar filled with thick, golden honey sits beside a piece of honeycomb dripping slightly. The scene is bright and inviting.

Examples

Me gusta poner miel en mi tostada del desayuno.

I like to put honey on my breakfast toast.

La miel de abeja es un remedio natural para la tos.

Bee honey is a natural remedy for coughs.

El sabor de esta miel es muy fuerte, debe ser de flores silvestres.

The flavor of this honey is very strong; it must be from wild flowers.

Gender Check

Even though 'miel' ends in -l, it is a feminine noun. You must always use the feminine article 'la' when talking about it: 'la miel'.

Confusing Gender

Mistake: “El miel es dulce.”

Correction: La miel es dulce. ('Miel' is feminine, so use 'la'.)

baby

beh-ee-beeˈbei.βi

nounA2Informal
Use this informal, English-loanword term to address a romantic partner or close friend in a very casual setting.
A couple sitting on a park bench, holding hands and looking at each other affectionately.

Examples

Hola, baby, ¿qué haces hoy?

Hey babe, what are you doing today?

Esa canción de reggaetón repite 'baby' muchas veces.

That reggaeton song repeats 'baby' many times.

No te enfades, baby, solo era una broma.

Don't get mad, honey, it was just a joke.

A Borrowed Nickname

This word is taken directly from English. Even though Spanish has many of its own words for 'sweetheart,' young people often use 'baby' because it sounds modern or like the songs they hear.

One Form for Everyone

Unlike most Spanish words that change their ending for boys (-o) and girls (-a), 'baby' usually stays exactly the same regardless of who you are talking to.

Using it for infants

Mistake: “Mira el baby en el cochecito.”

Correction: Mira el bebé en el cochecito.

papi

PAH-peeˈpa.pi

NounA2Informal
This term is used as a term of endearment, often by a romantic partner, to address a male affectionately.
A romantic couple holding hands and gazing at each other lovingly in a soft setting.

Examples

¿A dónde quieres ir de vacaciones, papi?

Where do you want to go on vacation, babe?

Te preparé café, papi. Está en la mesa.

I made you coffee, honey. It's on the table.

Using 'Papi' with Strangers (Non-Slang)

Mistake: “Using 'papi' to refer to a male acquaintance or boss.”

Correction: Reserve 'papi' for very close family (dad/son) or romantic partners. Use 'señor' or 'jefe' for formality.

nene

NEH-nehˈne.ne

nounB1Informal
Use this affectionate term to address a child or a romantic partner in a familiar and loving way.
A simple storybook illustration showing two adult figures, one slightly taller than the other, holding hands affectionately, symbolizing a couple or partners.

Examples

¿Qué quieres de cenar, nene?

What do you want for dinner, honey?

Hola, nene. ¿Cómo te fue en el trabajo?

Hello, sweetheart. How was work?

nena

NEH-nahˈnena

NounB1Informal
This term can be used affectionately for a romantic partner or child, but be cautious as it can sound patronizing to strangers.
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?

Oye, nena, ¿me pasas la sal?

Hey, girl, can you pass me the salt?

Watch Your Tone!

Mistake: “Calling an older woman, a stranger, or a professional colleague 'nena'.”

Correction: Use 'señora', 'disculpe', or her name. 'Nena' can sound disrespectful or overly familiar with strangers or in formal settings. It's best to avoid this usage unless you know the person very well.

querida

keh-REE-dahkeˈɾi.ða

NounB1Informal
Use this term to affectionately address a female partner or close friend, similar to 'darling' in English.
A man and a woman sharing a warm, affectionate hug in a cozy domestic setting, illustrating a term of endearment.

Examples

Hola, querida, ¿cómo estuvo tu día?

Hello, darling, how was your day?

No te preocupes, querida, todo va a estar bien.

Don't worry, sweetheart, everything is going to be okay.

Used Like a Name

When used this way, 'querida' acts like a nickname or a name. You use it to talk directly to a woman or girl you feel affection for.

hija

ee-khahˈixa

NounB1Informal
This term, literally 'daughter,' is used affectionately by older people to address younger women they feel close to.
An older woman tenderly smiling at a younger woman, placing her hand gently on the younger woman's shoulder to show affection.

Examples

Ven aquí, hija, que te ayudo con eso.

Come here, dear, let me help you with that.

¡Pero hija, cómo se te ocurre hacer eso!

Oh honey, how could you even think of doing that!

Ella es hija de su tiempo, con ideas muy modernas.

She is a daughter of her time, with very modern ideas.

The Contraction 'Mija'

You'll often hear 'mija', which is just 'mi' (my) + 'hija' (daughter) squished together. It's a very common and warm way to address a daughter or a younger woman you feel close to.

Not Always Literal

Mistake: “Thinking an older stranger calling you 'hija' is your actual mother.”

Correction: When an older person calls you 'hija', it's usually a friendly, motherly gesture, like saying 'dear' or 'sweetie' in English. They're not claiming to be your parent!

mami

MAH-meeˈmami

nounB2Informal
This term, literally 'mommy,' is used as an affectionate and sometimes flirtatious term of endearment, often between partners.
A stylish young woman smiling warmly and confidently, representing a term of endearment.

Examples

¡Qué linda estás hoy, mami!

You look beautiful today, babe!

Ella es la mami del barrio; todos la miran.

She is the 'hottie' of the neighborhood; everyone looks at her.

Vocative Use

In this slang sense, 'mami' is often used to directly address someone, acting as a personal nickname.

Using in Formal Settings

Mistake: “Addressing a female boss or older relative as 'mami' in this context.”

Correction: This term is very informal and potentially suggestive. Reserve it for very casual or intimate situations to avoid offense.

Literal vs. Affectionate Use

The most common mistake is using affectionate terms like 'nena' or 'cariño' when you simply mean the food product, for which you must use 'miel'. Conversely, never use 'miel' as a term of endearment.

Related Translations

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