Inklingo

How to Say "sweetheart" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “sweetheart” is “cariño” — use this as a general, affectionate term of endearment for anyone you feel close to, like a partner, child, or even a close friend. It's a very common and versatile option..

cariñoA1

Use this as a general, affectionate term of endearment for anyone you feel close to, like a partner, child, or even a close friend. It's a very common and versatile option.

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tesoro🔊A1

This term, meaning 'treasure,' is used affectionately for someone you deeply cherish, often a child or a romantic partner, highlighting their preciousness.

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corazónA2

Use 'corazón' (heart) to express deep love and affection, typically for a romantic partner or someone very close, emphasizing the depth of your feelings.

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bebé🔊A1

While literally meaning 'baby,' this is used as a term of endearment in certain regions for a romantic partner, similar to calling someone 'baby' in English.

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amada🔊B1

Use 'amada' (beloved) to refer to a female romantic partner, often in a more poetic or formal context, emphasizing that she is deeply loved.

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querida🔊B1

This is a common and affectionate term for a female loved one, suitable for partners, close friends, or family members.

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enamorado🔊B1

Use 'enamorado' to refer specifically to a male romantic partner, someone you are currently in love with.

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nene🔊B1

This term, often used for a male partner, is an affectionate and somewhat playful way to address someone you are close to, similar to 'honey' or 'sweetie'.

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preciosa🔊B1

Use 'preciosa' (precious, beautiful) as a term of endearment specifically for females, like a partner, daughter, or friend, to compliment their beauty or value.

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princesa🔊B1

This affectionate nickname, 'princess,' is typically used for young girls or female partners to express endearment and admiration.

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angel🔊B1

Referring to someone as an 'angel' is a term of endearment used for someone exceptionally good, kind, or well-behaved, often a child or a very supportive partner.

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cosita🔊A2

Use 'cosita' (little thing) as an endearing term, often for children or a romantic partner, implying they are cute, small, or precious.

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encanto🔊B1

While 'encanto' can mean 'charm,' it's used informally to describe a person as delightful or a pleasure to be around, rather than a direct term of endearment.

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valentínB1

This term specifically refers to a romantic partner, especially in the context of Valentine's Day or as a general term for a boyfriend or girlfriend.

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English → Spanish

cariño

NounA1Informal
Use this as a general, affectionate term of endearment for anyone you feel close to, like a partner, child, or even a close friend. It's a very common and versatile option.

Examples

Hola, cariño, ¿cómo estás?

Hi, darling, how are you?

tesoro

teh-SOH-roh/teˈsoro/

NounA1Informal
This term, meaning 'treasure,' is used affectionately for someone you deeply cherish, often a child or a romantic partner, highlighting their preciousness.
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.

corazón

NounA2Informal
Use 'corazón' (heart) to express deep love and affection, typically for a romantic partner or someone very close, emphasizing the depth of your feelings.

Examples

Te quiero con todo mi corazón.

I love you with all my heart.

bebé

BEH-beh/'be.βe/

NounA1Informal
While literally meaning 'baby,' this is used as a term of endearment in certain regions for a romantic partner, similar to calling someone 'baby' in English.
A simple illustration of a happy infant sitting up and smiling.

Examples

Mi amor, ¿ya vienes? Te espero, bebé.

My love, are you coming? I'm waiting for you, baby.

El bebe está durmiendo en su cuna.

The baby is sleeping in his crib.

Ven aquí, mi bebe, te doy un abrazo.

Come here, my sweetheart (baby), I'll give you a hug.

The Accent Distinction

The noun meaning 'baby' is correctly written 'bebé' (with an accent). The stress changes the meaning entirely. However, 'bebe' (no accent) is often used informally or quickly, especially when spoken, but you should try to write it with the accent ('bebé').

Misspelling

Mistake: “Writing 'bebe' when you mean 'baby'.”

Correction: The noun must carry the accent on the second 'e': 'bebé'.

amada

ah-MAH-dah/aˈmaða/

NounB1Formal/Literary
Use 'amada' (beloved) to refer to a female romantic partner, often in a more poetic or formal context, emphasizing that she is deeply loved.
A man and a woman standing close, holding hands and gazing into each other's eyes, symbolizing a beloved romantic partner.

Examples

El poeta dedicó su mejor verso a su amada.

The poet dedicated his best verse to his beloved.

Cada noche, sueña con el rostro de su amada.

Every night, he dreams of the face of his love.

From Adjective to Person

When 'amada' is used as a noun (often preceded by 'mi,' 'su,' or 'la'), it refers directly to the person who is loved, usually a romantic interest.

querida

/keh-REE-dah//keˈɾi.ða/

NounB1Informal
This is a common and affectionate term for a female loved one, suitable for partners, close friends, or family members.
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.

enamorado

eh-nah-moh-RAH-doh/ena.moˈɾa.ðo/

NounB1Informal
Use 'enamorado' to refer specifically to a male romantic partner, someone you are currently 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.

nene

NEH-neh/ˈne.ne/

NounB1Informal
This term, often used for a male partner, is an affectionate and somewhat playful way to address someone you are close to, similar to 'honey' or 'sweetie'.
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?

preciosa

preh-SYOH-sah/pɾeˈθjosa/

NounB1Informal
Use 'preciosa' (precious, beautiful) as a term of endearment specifically for females, like a partner, daughter, or friend, to compliment their beauty or value.
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
This affectionate nickname, 'princess,' is typically used for young girls or female partners to express endearment and admiration.
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.

angel

AHN-hel/ˈaŋxel/

NounB1Informal
Referring to someone as an 'angel' is a term of endearment used for someone exceptionally good, kind, or well-behaved, often a child or a very supportive partner.
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.)

cosita

/ko-SEE-tah//koˈsita/

NounA2Informal
Use 'cosita' (little thing) as an endearing term, often for children or a romantic partner, implying they are cute, small, or precious.
A small, fluffy golden puppy with big eyes looking up happily.

Examples

¡Qué cosita más linda es tu bebé!

What a beautiful little thing your baby is!

Hola, cosita, ¿cómo estás?

Hello, sweetheart, how are you?

encanto

en-KAHN-toh/enˈkanto/

NounB1Informal
While 'encanto' can mean 'charm,' it's used informally to describe a person as delightful or a pleasure to be around, rather than a direct term of endearment.
A small, happy child sitting in a field, looking up with a wide smile and outstretched hands, experiencing pure delight.

Examples

Fue un encanto conocer a tu familia.

It was a delight (or pleasure) to meet your family.

Mi jefe es un encanto, siempre nos trae café.

My boss is a delight (or a lovely person), he always brings us coffee.

¡Qué encanto de regalo!

What a lovely gift!

Using 'Ser' with 'Encanto'

When you use 'ser' (to be) with 'encanto' to describe a person ('Eres un encanto'), you are giving a fixed, positive compliment. Even if the person is female, the noun 'encanto' remains masculine.

valentín

NounB1Informal
This term specifically refers to a romantic partner, especially in the context of Valentine's Day or as a general term for a boyfriend or girlfriend.

Examples

Le compré un valentín muy bonito a mi novia.

I bought a very nice valentine (gift/card) for my girlfriend.

Choosing Between General and Specific Terms

The most common mistake is using a specific term like 'enamorado' (male partner) or 'amada' (female beloved) when a more general term like 'cariño' or 'tesoro' would be more appropriate and less presumptive. Always consider if you want to specify gender or the nature of the relationship.

Related Translations

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