Inklingo

How to Say "romantic" in Spanish

English → Spanish

romántico

AdjectiveB1General
Use 'romántico' when referring to a romantic atmosphere, a romantic gesture, or a person who embodies romantic ideals, often related to love or emotional tenderness.

Examples

Preparó una velada muy romántica con velas y música.

He prepared a very romantic evening with candles and music.

romántico

NounB1General
Use 'romántico' as a noun to describe a person who is sentimental, idealistic, or a dreamer, especially in matters of love.

Examples

Ella es una romántica empedernida y cree en las almas gemelas.

She is a die-hard romantic and believes in soulmates.

amoroso

/ah-moh-ROH-soh//amoˈɾoso/

AdjectiveA2General
Use 'amoroso' to describe someone who shows a lot of affection and tenderness, especially within a family or close relationship context, emphasizing loving behavior.
A mother bear gently hugging her small cub in a soft meadow.

Examples

Mi padre es un hombre muy amoroso con todos nosotros.

My father is a very loving man with all of us.

Mi abuelo es un hombre muy amoroso con sus nietos.

My grandfather is a very loving man with his grandchildren.

Recibió una carta amorosa de su pareja.

She received a loving letter from her partner.

Tienen una relación amorosa muy estable.

They have a very stable romantic relationship.

Changing the Ending

This word changes its ending to match the person or thing it describes. Use 'amoroso' for masculine (a boy, a dog) and 'amorosa' for feminine (a girl, a letter).

Placement After the Name

In Spanish, you usually put 'amoroso' after the noun you are describing, like 'un gato amoroso' (a loving cat).

Amoroso vs. Amable

Mistake:Using 'amoroso' to mean 'polite'.

Correction: Use 'amable' for polite strangers and 'amoroso' for deep affection. You wouldn't call a helpful bank teller 'amoroso' unless you really loved them!

romántico

AdjectiveC1Academic/Formal
Use this advanced form of 'romántico' when discussing the Romantic artistic, literary, or cultural movement of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Examples

El paisaje inspiró al poeta romántico.

The landscape inspired the Romantic poet.

Choosing between 'romántico' and 'amoroso'

Learners often confuse 'romántico' and 'amoroso'. Remember that 'romántico' typically relates to love affairs, romantic gestures, or idealistic notions of love. 'Amoroso' focuses more on the outward expression of affection and tenderness, often in a broader sense of loving behavior, not just romantic love.

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