cariño
affectionate
The usual word for "sweetheart" to a boy is cariño. Corazón means "heart" and cielo means "sky", and both are used as pet names.
Meaning: term of endearment (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| cariño | affectionate |
| corazón | affectionate |
| cielo | affectionate |
Cariño is used by couples and parents in Spain and Latin America. Corazón is common in Mexico, often with children.
Which one should you use?
None of these change with gender, so the same words work for a girl. A boy-only choice is campeón or mi niño.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word cariño also means "affection", so con cariño means "with affection".
Did you know?
- The word cariño is also the Spanish word for "affection", not only a pet name.
Examples in context
- Gracias, cariño.Thank you, sweetheart.
- Ven, corazón.Come, sweetheart.
- ¿Estás bien, cielo?Are you okay, sweetheart?
Example conversation
Abuela talks to her grandson Óscar in Mexico City.
- AbuelaÓscar, corazón, ¿tienes hambre?Óscar, sweetheart, are you hungry?
- ÓscarSí, abuela.Yes, Grandma.
- AbuelaTe hice tu comida favorita, cariño.I made your favorite food, sweetheart.
- ÓscarGracias, abuela.Thanks, Grandma.
