How to Say “Darling” in Portuguese

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querido
/keˈɾi.du/masculine
The English word 'darling' can be translated into Portuguese as querido.
In Portuguese, querido is an affectionate term of address used for a person who is very dear to you. While it is a common way to express affection toward friends or loved ones, be aware that it can also be used in a slightly patronizing or condescending way during arguments, much like how 'darling' or 'dear' is used in English.
Meaning: often used as an affectionate term of address: person who is very dear to one (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

The word querido is the masculine singular form of the adjective, which literally means 'dear' or 'loved'.

Which one should you use?

The forms provided in this guide represent different genders and quantities. querido is the masculine singular form, while other forms like querida are used for females. Other related terms include amado and amado/amada, which specifically mean 'very dear' or 'beloved'. If you want to describe someone as 'very cute' or 'lovable', you might use encantador.

Is it said differently in some regions?

In Angola, the term meu bem is used to say 'darling'. In Cape Verde, particularly among younger generations, the endearing terms mô or mor might be used.

Related words

Very cute or lovable (adj): encantador.

Very dear (adj): amado, querido.

How does it change in a sentence?

The form of the word changes depending on who you are addressing. Use querida when addressing or referring to a female, and querido for a male. For groups, use queridos to address a group of males or a mixed-gender group and queridas when addressing a group consisting only of females.

How do you pronounce it?

The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the second syllable: /keˈɾi.du/.

Did you know?

  • In Brazil, calling a stranger querido or querida is common in service industries like salons or cafes to create an instant sense of friendliness.
  • The word querido comes from the verb querer, which means 'to want' in English. In Portuguese, expressing that you 'want' someone is the grammatical root for saying you 'love' or 'dear' them.
  • The word querido is actually a past participle used as an adjective. This means it functions grammatically as something that 'has been wanted' or 'has been desired' by someone.

Examples in context

  • Qual o problema, querido?
    What's the matter, darling?
    This sentence shows how to use querido in a question.
    Tatoeba #3802098 by Laudemilson, translation #3799200 by Hybrid
  • Não me abandones, oh meu querido.
    Do not forsake me, oh my darling.
    This sentence shows a more emotive use of querido.
    Tatoeba #8880389 by carlosalberto, translation #8880384 by carlosalberto
  • Gostaria de agradecer a todos os presentes, especialmente à minha amada mãe.
    I would like to thank everyone present, especially my beloved mother.
  • Oi, querida! Como foi o seu dia?
    Hi, darling! How was your day?
  • Meu amor, você é a pessoa mais importante da minha vida.
    Darling, you are the most important person in my life.
  • Aproveitemos nosso tempo juntos, benzinho.
    Let's make the most of our time together, darling.

Example conversation

Beatriz and Felipe are having a conversation at home.

  1. Beatriz

    Você está bem, querido?
    Are you okay, darling?
  2. Felipe

    Sim, Beatriz, estou muito bem.
    Yes, Beatriz, I am very well.
  3. Beatriz

    Que bom ouvir isso.
    That is good to hear.
  4. Felipe

    Obrigado por se preocupar.
    Thank you for caring.

Sources

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Robyn Taylor
Robyn TaylorHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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