What does it mean word for word?
The word is the past participle of the verb querer (to want or to love), and it literally means "one who is loved".
Which one should you use?
The form used depends on the gender and number of people you are addressing. Use querido for a male, querida for a female, queridos for a group of men or a mixed-gender group and queridas for a group consisting only of women. For even greater closeness, particularly in parts of Latin America, you can use the forms queridísimo for males and queridísima for females.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Latin American countries, such as Mexico and parts of Central America, the gender-neutral terms mi vida (literally "my life") and mi cielo (literally "my sky") are used to convey endearment.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word must agree in gender and number with the person or people being addressed. Change the ending to querida when addressing a female, queridos when addressing a group of men or a mixed group and queridas when addressing a group of only women.
How do you pronounce it?
/keˈɾido/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling a stranger querida or querido is a common way for shopkeepers or street vendors to show friendly, albeit informal, hospitality.
- The word querido shares a common ancestor with the English word 'desire', as both stem from the Latin concept of wishing for or wanting something.
- The term can be used sarcastically to address someone who has just made a mistake, functioning much like the English phrase 'my dear'.
Examples in context
- Querido Juan, ¡Cuánto tiempo sin verte! Espero que estés bien. Un abrazo, MaríaDear Juan, It's been so long since I saw you! I hope you are well. A hug, María
- Queridísima Sofía, ¡Cuánto te echo de menos! Espero verte pronto. Con todo mi cariño, AlejandroDearest Sofia, I miss you so much! I hope to see you soon. With all my affection, Alejandro
- Hola, mi vida, ¡Te extraño tanto! No puedo esperar para estar contigo de nuevo. Con todo mi amor, LauraHello, my life, I miss you so much! I can't wait to be with you again. With all my love, Laura
- Eres mi querido amigo.You are my dear friend.
- Escucha, querido, no te preocupes.Listen, dear one, do not worry.
Example conversation
Mateo is feeling unwell and María is comforting him.
- María¿Te sientes mejor, querido?Do you feel better, dear one?
- MateoUn poco, gracias, María.A little, thank you, María.
- MaríaDescansa mucho hoy.Rest a lot today.
- MateoLo haré, gracias por cuidarme.I will, thanks for taking care of me.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry querido, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries querido, CC BY-SA 4.0.
