Hola, cariño
/ˈola kaˈɾiɲo/word by word
The English phrase "hey babe" can be translated into Spanish as Hola, cariño.
The phrase is an informal greeting used for a romantic partner or a loved one. While Hola, cariño is a common translation, other informal ways to say "hey babe" include ¡Hola bebé! (using bebé for "baby") and ¡Ey, mi vida! (using mi vida for "my life"). You can also use Hola, amor to mean "hello, love".
Which one should you use?
While Hola, cariño is a common way to say 'hey babe', it is slightly more affectionate and soft than the English "hey babe", which can sometimes be used more casually. In certain contexts, you might also use mi cosita, which literally translates to "my little thing".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, churri is used as a slang term of endearment for a loved one.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word cariño is a masculine noun. Even if you are addressing a woman, you use the masculine form cariño rather than a feminine version.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈola kaˈɾiɲo/
Did you know?
- The word Hola may be distantly related to the Old High German word holā, which was used specifically to hail a ferryman.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, phrases like mi vida or mi cielo are used not just for partners, but also by grandparents or parents toward their children.
- The word cariño is used as a noun for the person being addressed, but it can also be used as a noun to describe the feeling of 'affection' itself.
Examples in context
- Hola cariño, ¿cómo ha sido tu día?Hello babe, how has your day been?
- Buenas tardes, mi cielo. Me alegra verte hoy.Good afternoon, babe. I'm glad to see you today.
- ¡Hola bebé! ¿Quieres salir a cenar esta noche?Hey babe! Do you want to go out for dinner tonight?
- ¡Ey, mi vida! ¿Qué planes tienes para el fin de semana?Hey babe! What are your plans for the weekend?
- ¡Hola, churri! ¿Vamos al cine esta noche?Hey babe! Shall we go to the movies tonight?
- Hola, cariño, ¿cómo estás?Hey babe, how are you?
- Hola, cariño, ¿tienes hambre?Hey babe, are you hungry?
- Hola, cariño, llegué a casa.Hey babe, I'm home.
Example conversation
Alejandro arrives home and greets Sofía in the living room.
- AlejandroHola, cariño, ya estoy aquí.Hey babe, I'm here now.
- SofíaHola, mi amor, ¿tuviste un buen día?Hello, my love, did you have a good day?
- AlejandroSí, fue un día muy tranquilo.Yes, it was a very quiet day.
- SofíaQué bueno, ven a descansar.That's good, come and rest.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (hola, cariño) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cariño, hola, CC BY-SA 4.0.
