What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of hecho (made/done), con (with) and amor (love).
Which one should you use?
Elaborado con esmero is a formal way to say 'made with love' in Spanish to emphasize meticulousness and care. Elaborado con dedicación is a formal way to say 'made with love' in Spanish to highlight dedication. Elaborado con cariño is a formal way to say 'made with love' in Spanish with an affectionate tone. Elaborado con amorcito is an informal way to say 'made with love' in Spanish for playful and intimate contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, Hecho con mucho cariño is used to convey the sentiment of 'made with love'.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the thing being described is a feminine noun, such as comida (food) or tarta (cake), the word hecho must change to the feminine form hecha.
Did you know?
- The word hecho is a linguistic relative of the English word 'fact', as both derive from the Latin word factus, meaning 'done' or 'made'.
- While 'amor' is a powerful word, using the diminutive amorcito can actually change the phrase from a sincere compliment to a slightly patronizing or overly sweet remark if used with strangers.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, you will more frequently hear the phrase hecho con cariño rather than hecho con amor when someone has prepared a meal for you.
Examples in context
- Esta tarta ha sido hecha con amor.This cake has been made with love.
- Este pastel está hecho con amor.This cake is made with love.
- Es un plato hecho con amor para la familia.It is a dish made with love for the family.
- Todo lo que cocino está hecho con amor.Everything I cook is made with love.
Example conversation
Javier brings a homemade meal to Lucía.
- JavierTe traje una cena hecha con amor.I brought you a dinner made with love.
- Lucía¡Muchas gracias, Javier! Huele delicioso.Thank you so much, Javier! It smells delicious.
- JavierEs mi receta especial de familia.It is my special family recipe.
- LucíaSe nota que está hecho con amor.You can tell it is made with love.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amor, con, hecho, CC BY-SA 4.0.
