caro
/ˈka.ro/
The Italian word for dear is caro.
caro means loved or lovable. When used as a noun to address someone, such as in the phrase mio caro, it functions as a term of endearment similar to 'my dear' or 'darling'. Another common affectionate term used between close friends or romantic partners is tesoro, which literally means treasure or darling.
Meaning: loved, lovable (adj)
Which one should you use?
Depending on the context, caro can mean either 'dear/beloved' or 'expensive'. Additionally, while caro is the masculine form, you should use cara for a female. To express extra warmth and affection, you can use the superlative forms carissimo for males or carissima for females.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the person or people being addressed. Use caro for a male, cara for a female, cari for a group of men or a mixed-gender group and care for a group of only women.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of caro is /ˈka.ro/. It has two syllables and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- Because caro means both 'dear' and 'expensive', an Italian might jokingly describe a romantic partner as cara to imply they are high-maintenance.
- The Latin root cārus of caro is also the ancestor of the English word 'charity', as both share the sense of being 'dear' or 'highly valued'.
- In formal Italian correspondence, Caro is often considered too intimate, leading writers to use Gentile instead to remain polite but distant.
Examples in context
- Oh! Grazie, mio caro.Oh! Thank you, my dear.This sentence shows how to use caro as a term of endearment.Tatoeba #3747784 by Guybrush88, translation #3320328 by or5708
- Con piacere, mio caro.With pleasure, my dear.This sentence demonstrates the use of caro when responding to someone.Tatoeba #4274498 by Guybrush88, translation #1866687 by Eldad
- Era un mio caro amico.He was my dear friend.This sentence shows how to use caro to describe a friend.Tatoeba #4897307 by Guybrush88, translation #297917 by CM
- Gentile Signora Rossi,Dear Mrs. Rossi,
- Egregio Avvocato Bianchi,Dear Lawyer Bianchi,
- Illustre Professore Monti,Dear Professor Monti,
- Cara Laura,Dear Laura,
- Ciao, tesoro!Hello, darling!
- Maria, cara, come stai?Maria, dear, how are you?
- Ciao, carissimo amico mio!Hello, my dearest friend!
- 30 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are talking about a close family member.
- MatteoChiara, come sta il tuo caro nonno?Chiara, how is your dear grandfather?
- ChiaraSta bene, grazie per averlo chiesto.He is well, thank you for asking.
- MatteoLui è un uomo molto caro a tutti.He is a man very dear to everyone.
- ChiaraSì, è davvero una persona speciale.Yes, he is truly a special person.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dear” translations and entries caro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
