queridísimo
/keɾidisimo/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'dearest' is translated into Spanish as queridísimo.
queridísimo and its variants are used to refer to a beloved person or as a term of endearment. This term is frequently used as a salutation in highly affectionate letters or cards to close friends or family members. While queridísimo is a superlative, the more basic form Querido/a can also be used in informal contexts to express endearment to someone close. For a romantic partner or someone deeply cared for, you might also use Mi amor, which means 'my love'.
Meaning: a beloved person, a term of endearment (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word queridísimo is the superlative form of querido (loved). It is constructed by adding the suffix -ísimo, which means 'very' or 'most', to the base word.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word must agree in gender and number with the person or people being addressed. Use queridísima when referring to a female person. Use queridísimos when referring to a group of males or a mixed-gender group, and use queridísimas when referring to a group of females.
How do you pronounce it?
/keɾidisimo/
Did you know?
- While queridísimo is an intense way to say 'dearest', using it in a casual text message to a friend might actually come across as sarcastic or mockingly dramatic.
- While queridísimo is deeply affectionate, the root verb querer can also mean 'to want'. This creates a linguistic link between loving a person and desiring an object.
- If you were writing a letter to a high-ranking official or a much older person to show extreme respect rather than affection, you might use estimadísimo instead of queridísimo.
Examples in context
- Querida Laura, ¡cuánto tiempo sin verte!Dearest Laura, long time no see!
- Eres mi queridísimo amigo.You are my dearest friend.
- A mi queridísimo esposo le encanta el café.My dearest husband loves coffee.
- Le escribí una carta a mi queridísimo abuelo.I wrote a letter to my dearest grandfather.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
