carantoñas
/kaɾantoɲas/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'cuddles' is translated into Spanish as carantoñas.
It is commonly used with the verb dar (to give) to express the act of giving cuddles or affectionate touches.
Which one should you use?
While often translated as 'cuddles', carantoñas specifically implies small, affectionate gestures, such as caresses or sweet talk, rather than just a long embrace.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is carantoña.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaɾantoɲas/
Did you know?
- The word apapachar, a close relative to the concept of carantoñas, is believed to come from the Nahuatl word papachahua, which means 'to press one's cheek' or 'to caress'.
- In some Latin American contexts, the term can carry a slightly more coquettish or 'flirty' nuance than the clinical or purely platonic 'affection' implied in English.
- The word carantoña is often associated with the kind of attention one gives to a child or a pet to coax them into behaving.
Examples in context
- Espero que podamos compartir muchos abrazos.I hope we can share many cuddles.
- Necesito tus caricias para dormir bien.I need your cuddles to sleep well.
- Siempre me encanta recibir tus cariños.I always love receiving your cuddles.
- Me encanta cuando nos damos arrumacos bajo las sábanas.I love it when we cuddle under the sheets.
- A mi perro le encantan las carantoñas.My dog loves cuddles.
- Dame unas carantoñas, por favor.Give me some cuddles, please.
- Ese bebé necesita muchas carantoñas.That baby needs lots of cuddles.
Example conversation
A couple is relaxing on the sofa after work.
- ElenaMateo, tengo sueño.Mateo, I am sleepy.
- MateoVen aquí, Elena, te daré unas carantoñas.Come here, Elena, I will give you some cuddles.
- ElenaEres muy cariñoso.You are very affectionate.
- MateoEs que te quiero mucho.It is because I love you a lot.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
