cariñito
/kaɾiɲito/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for pookie is cariñito.
cariñito is a playful and affectionate nickname used for a romantic partner or a loved one. Other informal ways to express affection include using Cariño/a to mean darling or sweetheart, or using Mi vida, which literally means my life, to express love.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a diminutive of cariño (affection/love), formed by adding the suffix -ito to denote endearment, resulting in a meaning of little affection or dear one.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Caribbean Spanish, the term bebé is used informally to express affection.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaɾiɲito/
Did you know?
- In certain Latin American countries, you might hear people use the word gordi or gordito as a term of endearment, even if the person is not overweight.
- Spanish has a vast array of 'affectionate' nouns that are conceptually similar to cariñito but use food terms, such as calling a loved one bombón or 'marshmallow'.
- Depending on the region, the 'pookie' energy of cariñito can be replaced by the word tesoro, which means 'treasure', to convey the same level of preciousness.
Examples in context
- ¡Hola, cariño/a! ¿Cómo estás?Hi, pookie! How are you?
- Eres mi cariñito.You are my little sweetheart.
- Hola, cariñito, ¿cómo estás?Hello, sweetie, how are you?
- Te quiero mucho, cariñito.I love you very much, honey.
Example conversation
A couple is relaxing on the sofa at home.
- SofíaHola, cariñito, ¿qué tal tu día?Hello, sweetie, how was your day?
- AlejandroFue un día largo, pero ya estoy aquí.It was a long day, but I'm finally here.
- SofíaVen aquí conmigo, cariñito.Come here with me, honey.
- AlejandroGracias, Sofía, te extrañaba mucho.Thanks, Sofía, I missed you a lot.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
