Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| cariñoso | /kaɾiˈɲoso/ |
| amoroso | /amoˈɾoso/ |
| querendón | /keɾenˈdon/ |
These terms are used to describe someone who expresses a large amount of love.
What does it mean word for word?
The word cariñoso is derived from the noun cariño, which means affection or care.
Which one should you use?
While amoroso also means loving, cariñoso is the more common, everyday term used to describe someone who is physically affectionate or warm. Querendón is a more colloquial or informal way to describe someone who is very loving or seeks out affection.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Querendón is a colloquial or informal term. For a term of endearment, you might use Amorcito/a to mean 'My love' in an informal context.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form querendón is particularly common in various Latin American dialects to describe a person with a very affectionate personality.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective cariñoso must agree in gender with the person being described, changing to cariñosa for females. The adjective cariñoso becomes cariñosos when describing a group of males or a mixed-gender group.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaɾiˈɲoso/
Did you know?
- While cariñoso describes someone who is affectionate, the noun cariño is often used as a standalone term of endearment, similar to calling someone 'honey' or 'sweetie' in English.
- The suffix '-oso' in cariñoso and amoroso acts similarly to the English suffix '-ful' in 'joyful', turning a noun into an adjective that describes a person overflowing with that quality.
- In many Latin American countries, calling someone a querendón can be a playful way to tease them for being particularly needy or 'clingy' with their physical affection.
Examples in context
- Tom es muy cariñoso.Tom is very loving.This sentence shows how to use cariñoso to describe a person's temperament.Tatoeba #7849006 by Seael, translation #7849000 by CK
- Yanni fue más cariñoso.Yanni was more loving.This sentence uses cariñoso in the past tense to compare levels of affection.Tatoeba #10031368 by manufrutos, translation #10031231 by Amastan
- Su potente y fuerte voz oculta su sensibilidad interna y cariñoso carácter.His stern and loud voice belied concealed his inner sensitivity and loving nature.This sentence uses cariñoso to describe a person's character.Tatoeba #1678535 by termito2nd, translation #12956951 by Tom9358
- Me complace trabajar con una persona tan amorosa y dedicadaI am pleased to work with such a loving and dedicated person
- El abuelo siempre demuestra un cariñoso interés por todas nuestras actividadesGrandpa always shows an affectionate interest in all our activities
- ¡Hola, cariñita! ¿Cómo ha sido tu día?Hi, sweetie! How has your day been?
- Amorcito, eres lo mejor que me ha pasado en la vidaMy love, you are the best thing that has happened to me in life
- Estoy enamorada hasta las trancasI am head over heels in love
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are discussing a new puppy.
- Javier¿Es el cachorro muy cariñoso?Is the puppy very loving?
- LucíaSí, Javier, es sumamente cariñoso.Yes, Javier, he is extremely loving.
- JavierQué bueno que sea así.It is good that he is like that.
- LucíaA ti te encantará.You will love him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “loving” translations and entries cariñoso, amoroso, querendón, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
