amor platónico
/amoɾ platoniko/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'romantic crush' is translated into Spanish as amor platónico.
Amor platónico is used to describe an idealized or impossible love. This typically involves an intense attraction to someone who is socially out of reach or someone who is completely unaware of the person's feelings.
Which one should you use?
While Flechazo literally means 'arrow shot', it is used specifically to describe falling in love at first sight or an infatuation.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, amor platónico refers specifically to an intense and often unrequited romantic attraction. This differs from the English use of 'platonic', which usually describes a non-romantic friendship. To refer to a single instance, you can use the indefinite article un amor platónico. To make the phrase plural, change both the noun and the adjective to their plural forms: amores platónicos.
Did you know?
- Because amor platónico differs so much from the English 'platonic love', using the English word 'platonic' to describe a friendship to a Spanish speaker might be misinterpreted as a secret romantic longing.
- In Spain, a person who is perpetually experiencing amores platónicos might be jokingly called un romántico empedernido, meaning a 'hardened romantic'.
- The term platónico stems from the philosopher Plato, who described a type of love that transcends physical beauty to focus on the eternal essence of a person.
Examples in context
- Creo que estoy experimentando un enamoramiento muy profundo hacia ella.I think I'm experiencing a deep romantic crush on her.
- Siento una fuerte atracción romántica por ti desde el momento en que te conocí.I have felt a strong romantic attraction towards you since the moment I met you.
- No puedo dejar de pensar en tiI can't stop thinking about you
- Él es mi amor platónico desde la secundaria.He has been my romantic crush since high school.
- Tener un amor platónico puede ser muy doloroso.Having a romantic crush can be very painful.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a famous musician.
- MaríaMira este cantante, ¡es tan guapo!Look at this singer, he is so handsome!
- MateoSí, es el amor platónico de María.Yes, he is María's romantic crush.
- MaríaEs imposible conocerlo, pero no importa.It's impossible to meet him, but it doesn't matter.
- MateoAsí funciona un amor platónico.That is how a romantic crush works.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amor, platónico, CC BY-SA 4.0.
