Guide: How to Say “Dear” in Other Languages

Language is a beautiful tool that connects us all. A simple greeting like “dear” can convey warmth, respect, and affection. In this guide, we’ll explore how to say “dear” in various languages. We’ll provide both formal and informal ways, focusing on the most widely spoken languages. While there may be regional variations, we’ll highlight them only if necessary. Let’s dive in and learn how to express endearment in different cultures!

1. Spanish

Formal: In Spanish, you can say “Estimado” when addressing someone formally. For example, “Estimado Juan” means “Dear Juan.” This term is commonly used in professional settings and written correspondence.

Informal: When speaking more informally, you can use “Querido” or “Querida” to say “dear” to a male or female respectively. For instance, “Querido amigo” means “Dear friend.”

2. French

Formal: In French, the formal way to say “dear” is “Cher” for male recipients and “Chère” for females. For example, “Cher Monsieur” means “Dear Sir.”

Informal: In a more casual context, French speakers use “Mon cher” (for males) and “Ma chère” (for females) to address someone as “dear.” For instance, “Mon cher ami” means “My dear friend.”

3. German

Formal: In German, when writing formally, you can use “Sehr geehrter” before the recipient’s name. For example, “Sehr geehrter Herr Schmidt” means “Dear Mr. Schmidt.”

Informal: When addressing someone informally, German speakers often use “Liebe” before the recipient’s name. For instance, “Liebe Freundin” means “Dear friend” when referring to a female.

4. Italian

Formal: In Italian, “Gentile” is commonly used to address someone formally. For example, “Gentile Signora” means “Dear Madam.”

Informal: When expressing informality in Italian, you can use “Caro” for males and “Cara” for females. For instance, “Caro amico” means “Dear friend.”

5. Portuguese

Formal: In Portuguese, the formal way to say “dear” is “Caro” for males and “Cara” for females. For example, “Caro Senhor Silva” means “Dear Mr. Silva.”

Informal: Portuguese speakers often use “Querido” (for males) and “Querida” (for females) when they want to be more informal. For instance, “Querida amiga” means “Dear friend.”

6. Russian

Formal: In Russian, to address someone formally, you can use “Уважаемый” before the recipient’s name. For example, “Уважаемый Иван” means “Dear Ivan.”

Informal: When being more informal, you can use “Дорогой” (for males) and “Дорогая” (for females) to say “dear.” For instance, “Дорогой друг” means “Dear friend.”

7. Japanese

In Japanese, there isn’t an exact translation of “dear,” but you can convey a similar sentiment through other expressions.

To express endearment in Japanese, you can use “愛しい” (Itoshii) which means “beloved” or “恋しい” (Koishii) which means “missed” in a longing and affectionate way.

Keep in mind that Japanese culture places great importance on the overall context and level of formality in conversations.

8. Mandarin

Formal: In Mandarin, to say “dear” formally, you can use “亲爱的” (Qīn’ài de) before the recipient’s name. For example, “亲爱的张先生” means “Dear Mr. Zhang.”

Informal: In informal conversations, Mandarin speakers often use “亲” (Qīn) before the recipient’s name to express familiarity and closeness. For instance, “亲爱的朋友” means “Dear friend.”

9. Arabic

Formal: In Arabic, when addressing someone formally, you can say “عزيزي” (Azizi) for males and “عزيزتي” (Azizati) for females. For example, “عزيزي السيد” means “Dear Mr.” and “عزيزتي السيدة” means “Dear Mrs.”

Informal: To express informality, Arabic speakers often use terms like “حبيبي” (Habibi) for males and “حبيبتي” (Habibati) for females. For instance, “حبيبي صديق” means “Dear friend.”