How to Say “Darling” in Spanish

Ways to say it

These terms are used as affectionate forms of address for people who are very dear to you. While cariño is a common and everyday way to say darling or honey, the forms querido and querida often carry a more formal or literary tone, similar to the English word beloved.

Which one should you use?

The forms querido (masculine) and querida (feminine) are typically used to mean dear or beloved. In contrast, amado is primarily used as an adjective to describe someone who is loved, rather than as a common casual term of address.

Is it said differently in some regions?

In Spain, the expression media naranja, literally translating to half orange, is used to refer to a loved one in a way similar to the English terms better half or soulmate.

Related words

Very cute or lovable (adj): encantador.

Very dear (adj): amado, querido.

How does it change in a sentence?

The term cariño is an invariable noun, meaning it can be used to address both men and women.

How do you pronounce it?

/kaˈɾiɲo/

When do people say it?

Spanish speakers have many ways to express affection. Besides cariño, couples or close friends often use mi amor (my love) or tesoro (treasure) to express deep affection. In some Latin American countries, such as Mexico, corazón (heart) is also a popular informal term of endearment.