llámame cariño
/ʝamame kaɾiɲo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "call me baby" is translated into Spanish as llámame cariño.
This phrase is a request for a romantic partner to use a term of endearment when addressing the speaker.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb llama (call), the object pronoun me (me) and the noun cariño (affection/darling).
Which one should you use?
While llámame cariño is the default, you can use llámame amor if you prefer the term of endearment to be "love" instead of "darling/sweetheart". You might also see Llámame, bebé used to mean "call me, baby" in relaxed settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
In llámame cariño, the command is in the informal imperative form, which is used when speaking to someone you are close to or intimate with.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʝamame kaɾiɲo/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, terms like cariño or amor are used by strangers, such as waitresses or shopkeepers, to be friendly without any romantic intent.
- Unlike most Spanish nouns used to describe people, cariño is gender-neutral. You use the same word regardless of whether you are addressing a man or a woman.
- Using bebé as a romantic term of endearment is a modern trend in Spanish. This usage was heavily influenced by the global reach of English-language pop music and cinema.
Examples in context
- Disculpe, ¿podría llamarme bebé durante la conferencia?Excuse me, could you call me baby during the conference?
- Oye, ¿por qué no me llamas, bebé?Hey, why don't you call me, baby?
- Por favor, llámame cariño.Please, call me baby.
- Si nos casamos, llámame cariño siempre.If we get married, always call me baby.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are having a romantic moment at home.
- LucíaDaniel, llámame cariño.Daniel, call me baby.
- DanielEstá bien, mi amor.Okay, my love.
- LucíaMe encanta cuando lo haces.I love it when you do that.
- DanielTe lo diré siempre, cariño.I will tell you always, baby.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
