cariño
/kaˈɾiɲo/
In Spanish, the word for babe is cariño.
While cariño can refer to an attractive person, it is most commonly used as a term of endearment for a romantic partner or a close loved one, such as darling, honey or babe.
Meaning: attractive person (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word cariño literally translates to affection, care or darling.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Cariño is an informal term of endearment and should not be used in formal or professional settings.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, it is common to use the term cariño as a unisex term of endearment.
How does it change in a sentence?
The term cariño is gender-neutral and can be used to address both men and women.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaˈɾiɲo/
Did you know?
- If you call someone cariño in a heated argument in Spain, it can be used as a patronizing way to say 'sweetie' to dismiss their opinion.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, cariño is used by strangers, such as shopkeepers or waiters, to be friendly to customers.
- The origin of cariño is not fully certain, but it may have come to Spanish via the Aragonese word carinyo.
Examples in context
- Te he traído un regalo, amorI have brought you a gift, love
- ¿Cómo estás, cariño?How are you, darling?
- No puedo esperar para verte, amorcitoI can't wait to see you, babe
- ¿Quieres venir al cine conmigo, cielo?Do you want to come to the movies with me, babe?
- Feliz cumpleaños, princesa. Espero que tengas un día maravillosoHappy birthday, babe. I hope you have a wonderful day
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are people-watching at a cafe.
- AlejandroMira a ese chico, es un cariño.Look at that guy, he's a babe.
- LucíaTienes razón, es muy atractivo.You're right, he's very attractive.
- AlejandroDeberías saludar a ese cariño.You should say hello to that babe.
- LucíaNo me atrevo, Alejandro.I don't dare to, Alejandro.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cariño, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cariño, CC BY-SA 4.0.
