cariñoso
/kaɾiˈɲoso/
The English adjective 'cuddly' can be translated into Spanish as cariñoso.
While 'cuddly' in English often refers to physical softness or a desire to be held, cariñoso focuses more on the personality trait of being affectionate or loving. You can also use the expression da ganas de abrazarlo to indirectly convey the concept of being cuddly, which literally means it makes you want to hug it.
Meaning: Suitable for cuddling (adj)
Which one should you use?
The word mimoso is a common alternative used specifically to describe someone or a pet that craves physical affection and pampering.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes its ending to agree with the noun it describes: use cariñosa for a feminine singular noun, cariñosos for a masculine plural noun and cariñosas for a feminine plural noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaɾiˈɲoso/
Did you know?
- The word mimo has a double meaning, as it also refers to a pantomime artist or mime.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, calling a grown man cariñoso can be a high compliment to his emotional intelligence and fatherly nature.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, describing a child as mimoso is often seen as a high compliment rather than suggesting they are spoiled.
Examples in context
- El peluche que compré para mi sobrina es muy achuchable.The stuffed animal I bought for my niece is very cuddly.
- Mi perro es muy cariñoso. Siempre busca que le hagan mimos.My dog is very cuddly, he always seeks affection.
- Ese osito de peluche se ve muy tierno.That teddy bear looks very cuddly.
- Mi gato es muy amoroso. Siempre se acurruca a mi lado.My cat is very cuddly, he always snuggles up beside me.
- Mi perro es muy cariñoso.My dog is very cuddly.
- Los gatitos son muy cariñosos.Kittens are very cuddly.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are talking about a new pet.
- AlejandroMira este gatito, es muy cariñoso.Look at this kitten, he is very cuddly.
- LucíaSí, se ve muy dulce.Yes, he looks very sweet.
- AlejandroMe gusta que sea tan cariñoso.I like that he is so cuddly.
- LucíaSería la mascota perfecta.He would be the perfect pet.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cariñoso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
