deliciae
[deːˈlɪ.ki.ae̯]feminine, plural
Darling in Latin is deliciae, a word for a person who is very dear to you. If unsure, use deliciae. Wiktionary also lists animulus and mel.
Meaning: often used as an affectionate term of address: person who is very dear to one (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| deliciae | [deːˈlɪ.ki.ae̯] (Classical Latin, narrow) [deˈliː.t͡ʃi.e] (narrow) |
feminine, plural |
| animulus | [aˈnɪ.mʊ.ɫʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [aˈniː.mu.lus] (narrow) |
masculine |
| mel | [ˈmɛɫ] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈmɛl] (narrow) |
neuter |
| meum mel | neuter |
deliciae means darling or delight and is used as an affectionate word for a beloved person.
Which one should you use?
animulus is a diminutive of the word for soul, literally little soul and is used as a tender term of address. mel means honey, and meum mel means my honey. mellītus is a related adjective meaning very dear or sweet as honey. Puella mea, my girl, is an informal and affectionate way to address a girl or woman.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
deliciae is a feminine plural noun even when it refers to one person. When you speak directly to someone with animulus, use the vocative animule.
Did you know?
- The word deliciae originally comes from a verb meaning 'to snare' or 'entice'. It suggests that a 'darling' is someone who has captured your heart through charm.
- While animulus means 'little soul' today, the root animus also refers to the 'breath' of life, making the term essentially a 'little breath'.
- Roman poets often used terms like mel to create a sensory experience of sweetness in their love poetry, blending taste and emotion.
Examples in context
- mī animule! / animule mī!My heart / darling!mī animule uses the vocative form to address the loved one directly.
- Dilecte, te amo.Darling, I love you.
- Mi carissime, semper in corde meo es.Dearest, you are always in my heart.
- Puella mea, quam pulchra es!My girl, how beautiful you are!
- Puer meus, tibi semper fidem habeo.My boy, I will always be faithful to you.
- Salvere, deliciae meae!Hello, my darling!
Example conversation
A couple greeting each other after a long day.
- LuciaSalve, deliciae meae!Hello, my darling!
- LuciusSalve, Lucia.Hello, Lucia.
- LuciaQuomodo vales?How are you?
- LuciusBene valeo, gratias.I am well, thanks.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “darling” translations and entries deliciae, animulus, mel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries animulus, deliciae, mel, meum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
