ternura
/teɾˈnuɾa/
The Spanish word for cuteness is ternura.
ternura refers to the state of being cute, though it is more literally used to describe tenderness or softness in an emotional sense. A common idiomatic way to react to something cute is to say qué ternura, which functions similarly to saying "how sweet" in English.
Meaning: state of being cute (noun)
Which one should you use?
While ternura can be used to express cuteness, its primary meaning is closer to tenderness or emotional softness.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun ternura is feminine and is used with the feminine article la.
How do you pronounce it?
/teɾˈnuɾa/
When do people say it?
When encountering something adorable, speakers often use the phrase qué ternura as a reaction, much like an English speaker would say "how sweet" or "how cute".
Did you know?
- While ternura describes the feeling of cuteness, Spanish speakers often use the word mono meaning 'monkey' to describe a person or object as cute.
- The adjective tierno can also be used in a culinary context to describe meat that is 'tender', showing how the concept of 'cuteness' and 'softness' overlap in Spanish.
- The phrase qué ternura is frequently used sarcastically in some cultures to mock someone who is acting overly sentimental or naive.
Examples in context
- El bebé tiene una dulzura única.The baby has a unique cuteness.
- ¡Mira ese bebé! ¡Es una monada!Look at that baby! He's such a cutie!
- ¡Qué chulada de gatito!What a lovely kitty!
- Su ternura es increíble.Its cuteness is incredible.
- Me encanta la ternura de este cachorro.I love the cuteness of this puppy.
Example conversation
María and Daniel are looking at a photo of a puppy.
- MaríaMira este perrito, ¡qué ternura!Look at this puppy, such cuteness!
- DanielEs verdad, es muy lindo.It is true, it is very cute.
- MaríaMe encanta su carita.I love its little face.
- DanielYo también, Daniel quiere uno.Me too, Daniel wants one.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ternura, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
