caricias
/kaɾiθjas/from spelling rules
The English word 'petting' translates to Spanish as caricias.
caricias refers to the act of petting or stroking. While it can refer to petting an animal, the word is also used broadly to describe any act of stroking or caressing a person or an object.
Meaning: stroking or fondling an animal (noun)
Which one should you use?
If you want to use the verb 'to pet' instead of the noun 'petting', use the verb acariciar.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, such as Argentina or Uruguay, the verb mimosear may be used to express the act of petting with excessive fondness or pampering.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaɾiθjas/
Did you know?
- Depending on the region, caricia can be used metaphorically to describe a gentle breeze or a soft touch of sunlight on the skin.
- The word cariño is derived from the same root as caricias and is commonly used as a term of endearment, similar to 'honey' or 'sweetheart'.
- While English uses 'pet' as both a verb and a noun, in Spanish you must distinguish between the action of acariciar and the animal itself, which is a mascota.
Examples in context
- Me encanta acariciar a los gatosI love petting cats
- Siempre me encanta apapachar a mi perro cuando llego a casaI always love petting my dog when I arrive home
- Las caricias de los gatos son muy relajantes.The petting of cats is very relaxing.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are visiting a shelter.
- LucíaMira este perrito, es muy dulce.Look at this puppy, he is very sweet.
- AlejandroSí, creo que necesita algunas caricias.Yes, I think he needs some petting.
- LucíaSe queda dormido con tus caricias.He is falling asleep with your petting.
- AlejandroEs que es muy tranquilo.It is just that he is very calm.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
