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How to Say "lover" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “lover” is “amado” — use 'amado' to refer to a deeply cherished romantic partner, often with a literary or poetic connotation, emphasizing the 'beloved' aspect..

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amado

ah-MAH-doh/aˈmaðo/

nounB1formal/poetic
Use 'amado' to refer to a deeply cherished romantic partner, often with a literary or poetic connotation, emphasizing the 'beloved' aspect.
An illustration showing two simplified human figures engaged in a tender, loving embrace, representing the beloved person.

Examples

El amado regresó después de un largo viaje.

The beloved returned after a long journey.

Ella espera la llamada de su amado.

She is waiting for the call from her loved one.

Used as a Noun

When used as a noun, 'amado' stands alone, replacing the name of the person. You must use an article (el, un, mi, su, etc.) before it.

enamorado

eh-nah-moh-RAH-doh/ena.moˈɾa.ðo/

nounB1informal/romantic
Use 'enamorado' for a boyfriend, girlfriend, or sweetheart, indicating someone you are romantically in love with.
Two people standing close together, holding hands and smiling warmly at each other, representing a romantic partner or sweetheart.

Examples

Mi enamorado me envió un mensaje dulce.

My sweetheart/boyfriend sent me a sweet message.

Los enamorados se dieron la mano mientras caminaban.

The lovers (couple) held hands while they walked.

Gender Swap

When used as a noun, the gender changes the person you are talking about. 'El enamorado' is a male partner, and 'la enamorada' is a female partner.

amiguito

ah-mee-GEE-toh/amiˈɣito/

nounB2informal/colloquial
Use 'amiguito' informally, especially when referring to a secret or illicit romantic or sexual partner, or in a derogatory sense for a crony.
A storybook illustration of two figures in dark jackets leaning in conspiratorially, whispering secrets in a shadowy alleyway.

Examples

El director solo contrata a sus amiguitos, sin importar la experiencia.

The director only hires his cronies, regardless of experience.

¿Quién es ese amiguito que te trae flores todos los días?

Who is that 'friend' (implied lover) who brings you flowers every day?

Sarcasm and Tone

When used in contexts involving politics, business, or romantic secrets, the diminutive suffix amiguito can be sarcastic, suggesting the relationship is perhaps too close or not entirely honest.

querido

/keh-REE-doh//keˈɾiðo/

nounB1informal/discreet
Use 'querido' to refer to a mistress or a male lover, often implying a relationship that is clandestine or outside of marriage.
A man and woman smiling affectionately at each other, standing very close together.

Examples

La película trata de un hombre que tiene una querida.

The movie is about a man who has a mistress.

Hola, querido, ¿qué tal el trabajo hoy?

Hi, darling, how was work today?

Se rumorea que el político le compró un piso a su querida.

It's rumored that the politician bought his mistress an apartment.

Distinguishing 'Amante' from other 'Lover' terms

Learners often confuse 'amado', 'enamorado', and 'querido' with the more general and common term 'amante' (which implies a lover, often illicit). While 'amado' is more poetic and 'enamorado' refers to someone you are in love with, 'querido' specifically denotes a mistress or a lover in a potentially secret relationship, and 'amiguito' can carry a sense of being a crony or a secret partner.

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