querida
/keˈɾida/
The Spanish term querida is used to say 'dear' when addressing a woman or girl.
querida is an informal term of endearment used to address loved ones, close friends or family members. While it is a common way to show affection, it is important to note that if used as a noun without a name, it can also mean 'mistress' (a lover) depending on the context.
What does it mean word for word?
The word querida is the feminine form of the past participle of the verb querer, which means 'to love' or 'to want'. It literally translates to 'beloved' or 'dear'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
querida is used in informal or affectionate settings. In professional situations or formal letters, you should use apreciada instead. Note that using querida as a standalone address can sometimes feel overly dramatic or old-fashioned in certain modern contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes to querido when you are addressing a male.
How do you pronounce it?
/keˈɾida/
Did you know?
- Depending on the speaker's tone, querida can be used as a tool for 'passive-aggressive' condescension when addressed to a woman the speaker does not actually like.
- The linguistic root of querida shares a connection with the Aromanian word vrutã, which also describes a person who is beloved.
- The verb querer, from which querida is derived, is unique because it is used to express both 'to love' and 'to want' depending on the context.
Examples in context
- Estimada Sra. GarcíaDear Mrs. García
- Apreciada Dra. RodríguezDear Dr. Rodríguez
- Querida amigaDear friend
- Hola, querida, ¿cómo estás hoy?Hello, darling, how are you today?
- Te extrañaba mucho, querida.I missed you very much, my dear.
- No te preocupes, querida, todo saldrá bien.Don't worry, honey, everything will be fine.
Example conversation
Mateo greets Lucía after she arrives home from work.
- Lucía¡Ya estoy en casa!I'm home!
- MateoBienvenida, querida, te he estado esperando.Welcome home, darling, I have been waiting for you.
- LucíaGracias, Mateo, ha sido un día largo.Thank you, Mateo, it has been a long day.
- MateoVen a descansar un poco.Come and rest a little.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry querida, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries querida, CC BY-SA 4.0.
