cariño, te amo
/kaˈɾiɲo te ˈamo/word by word
The English phrase "baby, I love you" can be translated into Spanish as cariño, te amo.
This phrase is an affectionate expression of love used toward a romantic partner. While cariño, te amo is a standard way to convey this sentiment, you may also use bebé, te amo, which uses the literal word for baby and sounds more like a direct loanword from English.
Which one should you use?
The choice of verb determines the intensity of your affection. te amo expresses deep, romantic love. In contrast, te quiero is a slightly less intense way to say "I love you" or "I care for you" and is also commonly used in romantic relationships. When addressing a male, you might use the word querido.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaˈɾiɲo te ˈamo/
Did you know?
- The word cariño is often used by strangers in certain parts of Spain or Latin America as a polite, friendly way to address someone, much like 'dear' or 'love' in English.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, saying te amo for the first time is a major relationship milestone that signals a deep commitment.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, if you call a partner cariño, you are using a term that literally translates to 'affection' or 'fondness'.
Examples in context
- Mi amor, eres la luz de mi vida y te amo más de lo que las palabras pueden expresar. Eres mi todo y siempre serás mi bebé querido.My love, you are the light of my life, and I love you more than words can express. You are my everything, and you will always be my beloved baby.
- Cariño, te amo mucho.Baby, I love you very much.
- Cariño, te amo, ¿me escuchas?Baby, I love you, do you hear me?
- Solo quería decirte: cariño, te amo.I just wanted to tell you: baby, I love you.
Example conversation
A couple is sharing a quiet moment at home.
- LucíaCariño, te amo.Baby, I love you.
- JavierY yo a ti, Lucía.And I love you, Lucía.
- Lucía¿De verdad?Really?
- JavierSí, eres mi todo.Yes, you are my everything.
