mi querido
/mi keɾido/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "my dear one" is translated as mi querido.
This phrase is a term of endearment used to address someone the speaker loves deeply.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of mi (my) and querido (dear/beloved), literally translating to "my dear".
Which one should you use?
While mi querido is a term of endearment, it is more formal and poetic than the common colloquial term mi amor (my love).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, queridísimo/a means Very beloved one and is an intensified version of querido/a used to express deep affection.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase must change its ending to match the gender of the person being addressed: use mi querido for a male and mi querida for a female.
How do you pronounce it?
/mi keɾido/
Did you know?
- The word querido comes from the verb querer, which in Spanish uniquely means both 'to want' and 'to love'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, if you call someone mi querido or mi querida in a professional setting, it may be perceived as patronizing or condescending rather than affectionate.
- While mi querido is a lovely way to address a partner, using it to address a stranger or a casual acquaintance in some Latin American countries might sound strangely intense or overly dramatic.
Examples in context
- ¡Hola! ¿Cómo estás, mi querida amiga? Te echo de menos desde la última vez que nos vimos.Hi! How are you, my dear friend? I miss you since the last time we saw each other.
- ¡Hola, cariño! ¿Cómo ha sido tu día? Estoy deseando verte esta noche.Hi, darling! How was your day? I'm looking forward to seeing you tonight.
- Mi querido esposo siempre me apoya.My dear husband always supports me.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are saying goodbye for the day.
- AlejandroYa me voy, María.I am leaving now, María.
- MaríaQue tengas un buen día, mi querido.Have a good day, my dear one.
- AlejandroGracias, nos vemos pronto.Thanks, see you soon.
- MaríaTe espero con ansias.I'll be looking forward to it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
