dulce
/ˈdulθe/
In Spanish, the phrase for someone is sweet is dulce.
The word dulce can be used to describe a person's sweet temperament, but it also refers to the literal taste of food, such as something being sugary. When you want to describe something or someone as being excessively sweet or cloying, you might use dulzona or dulzón.
Which one should you use?
While dulce refers to both a person's sweet personality and the literal taste of food, the forms dulzona or dulzón are used to specifically denote something that is overly sweet.
How does it change in a sentence?
When describing a person's personality using this term, use the verb ser (to be) in the form es dulce.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdulθe/
Did you know?
- Spanish has a specific word, empalagoso, for the feeling of being overwhelmed by something too dulce, a sensation English lacks a single word for.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling a child dulce is common, but calling an adult man dulce can sometimes be perceived as diminishing his masculinity.
- The English word 'dulcet', often used to describe pleasant sounds, shares the same Latin ancestor as the Spanish dulce.
Examples in context
- María es una persona dulce que siempre está dispuesta a ayudar.María is a sweet person who is always willing to help.
- ¡Juanita, eres un amor! Gracias por ser tan cariñosa.Juanita, you are a love! Thank you for being so affectionate.
- Es admirable cómo Pedro tiene un corazón bondadoso con todos.It's admirable how Pedro has a kind heart towards everyone.
- Es una amiga encantadora, siempre tiene palabras dulces para animar.She is a charming friend, always having sweet words to encourage.
- Andrés es tierno y muestra su dulzura en cada gesto.Andrés is sweet and shows his tenderness in every gesture.
- Ese niño es muy dulce.That boy is very sweet.
- Tu abuela es una persona dulce.Your grandmother is a sweet person.
- Ella siempre es dulce con todos.She is always sweet to everyone.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are talking about a new colleague.
- Elena¿Qué te parece la nueva compañera?What do you think of the new colleague?
- AlejandroElla es muy dulce y amable.She is very sweet and kind.
- ElenaSí, me gusta su actitud.Yes, I like her attitude.
- AlejandroEs un gusto trabajar con ella.It is a pleasure to work with her.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry dulce, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dulce, CC BY-SA 4.0.
