caro
/ˈka.ro/
The Italian word caro is an adjective used to express that something has a high price.
While primarily used to describe something that is expensive, caro also carries an emotional meaning of 'dear' or 'beloved'. When used as a direct address or a noun to refer to a person, it translates to 'dear' or 'darling'.
Which one should you use?
The word functions in two distinct ways: it can describe the cost of an object (expensive) or express affection toward a person (dear).
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular is caro, the feminine singular is cara, the masculine plural is cari and the feminine plural is care.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈka.ro/. The word has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The Latin root 'cārus' also gave rise to the English word 'charity', as both originally related to things held dear or beloved.
- Using cara or caro as a filler word in a heated argument can be a way to signal that the speaker is losing patience, acting as a warning before the tone shifts to anger.
- If you use the superlative form carissimo in a formal letter, it can actually backfire by sounding sarcastic or cold rather than warmer.
Examples in context
- La difesa Caro-Kann (1. e4 c6) è un'apertura utilizzata dai maggiori Grandi Maestri di tutto il mondo.The Caro-Kann defense (1. e4 c6) is an opening used by major Grand Masters around the world.This sentence shows the use of caro within the name of a specific chess opening.Tatoeba #10283217 by carlosalberto, translation #10283108 by carlosalberto
- Questo ristorante è troppo caro.This restaurant is too expensive.
- Il nuovo telefono è molto caro.The new phone is very expensive.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Martina are looking at a menu in a cafe.
- MartinaLorenzo, il pranzo qui è troppo caro.Lorenzo, lunch here is too expensive.
- LorenzoHai ragione, Martina. Cerchiamo un altro posto.You are right, Martina. Let's look for another place.
- MartinaC'è una pizzeria poco distante.There is a pizzeria nearby.
- LorenzoOttima idea, andiamo!Great idea, let's go!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry caro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
