What does it mean word for word?
The phrase buenos días, cariño is composed of buenos (good), días (days) and cariño (affection/dear/darling).
Which one should you use?
While buenos días, cariño is a slightly softer way to greet someone, buenos días, amor is a more intense or direct way to say 'good morning, love'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you may hear Buenos días, cari to mean 'Good morning, love' or Buenos días, guapo/guapa to mean 'Good morning, handsome/beautiful'. In Mexico, Buenos días, mi cielito is used to mean 'Good morning, my little sky'. In Argentina, you might use Buenos días, hermoso/hermosa for 'Good morning, gorgeous' or Buenos días, mi vida for 'Good morning, my life'.
How does it change in a sentence?
While buenos días is the standard plural greeting, the singular alternative buen día can be used in many Spanish-speaking regions, such as in the phrase buen día, cariño.
Did you know?
- Unlike English, where 'babe' is almost exclusively for romantic partners, cariño can be used by grandparents or parents toward children, making the phrase's tone depend entirely on the relationship.
- The word cariño is actually a noun that literally means 'affection' or 'care'. When you call someone cariño, you are essentially calling them 'affection' itself.
- The word cariño might descend from the Aragonese word carinyo, though the exact history of its development is still debated by linguists.
Examples in context
- Buenos días, cariño, ¿cómo dormiste?Good morning, babe, how did you sleep?
- Buenos días, cariño, tengo café para ti.Good morning, babe, I have coffee for you.
- ¡Buenos días, cariño! Que tengas un lindo día.Good morning, babe! Have a lovely day.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are in their kitchen starting the day.
- AlejandroBuenos días, cariño, ¿quieres desayunar?Good morning, babe, do you want to eat breakfast?
- MaríaSí, gracias, Alejandro. Huele de maravilla.Yes, thank you, Alejandro. It smells wonderful.
- AlejandroMe alegra que te guste.I'm glad you like it.
- MaríaEres el mejor.You are the best.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cariño, CC BY-SA 4.0.
