te quiero, cariño
To say "I love you, honey" in Spanish, you say te quiero, cariño.
This phrase is an expression of affection used to tell a romantic partner or a loved one that you love them. In this context, te quiero means "I love you". You may also use the phrase te amo, cariño to express the same sentiment, where te amo also means "I love you".
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, te quiero translates to "I want you", but it is the standard way to express affection and means "I love you" in this context. The word cariño translates to "honey" or "darling".
Which one should you use?
While te quiero is the standard way to express affection, te amo is a more intense, profound or formal way to say "I love you" in a romantic context. You can also use other endearing terms like mi amor (my love), mi vida (my life) or corazón (heart) instead of cariño. For example, te quiero, mi amor is a common way to say "i love you, my love".
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, cariño is a noun used as a vocative, which means it is a term of endearment addressed directly to the person you are speaking to.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling a stranger or a shopkeeper cariño is a common way to show warmth, rather than being strictly reserved for romantic partners.
- While te amo is generally more profound, in some Latin American countries it is used more casually in daily romantic relationships than it is in Spain.
- The term cariño can be used as a noun for 'affection' or 'care', meaning you are essentially calling someone your 'affection'.
Examples in context
- ¡Te amo, cariño! Eres mi alegría y mi fuerza en la vida.I love you, honey! You are my joy and strength in life.
- Te quiero mucho, amor. No puedo imaginar mi vida sin ti.I love you very much, my love. I can't imagine my life without you.
- Te quiero, cariño, descansa.I love you, honey, rest up.
Example conversation
A couple is saying goodbye before one goes to work.
- MaríaTe quiero, cariño, que tengas un buen día.I love you, honey, have a good day.
- MateoGracias, María. Yo también te quiero.Thanks, María. I love you too.
- MaríaHasta luego, Mateo.See you later, Mateo.
- MateoHasta luego, mi amor.See you later, my love.
