Cariño
affectionate, any gender
To call a girl "sweetheart", say Cariño, cielo or corazón. These work for a woman and a man alike and are common with partners and family. It is also called Mi vida.
Meaning: term of endearment (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| Cariño | affectionate, any gender |
| Cielo | affectionate |
| Corazón | affectionate |
| Mi vida | romantic |
Corazón literally means "heart" and is used the way English speakers say "sweetheart" or "honey". Cielo means "sky" or "heaven".
Which one should you use?
These words are also used by older people to address women politely, such as a shopkeeper who calls a customer corazón.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Cariño is especially common in Spain, and corazón and mi vida are widespread in Mexico and across Latin America.
Did you know?
- Calling someone corazón is common in everyday talk and does not need to be romantic.
Examples in context
- Gracias, cariño.Thanks, sweetheart.
- Ven, corazón.Come here, sweetheart.
- Hola, cielo, ¿qué tal?Hi, sweetheart, how are you?
Example conversation
Doña Rosa serves a young customer at her bakery.
- Doña RosaBuenos días, corazón. ¿Qué te pongo?Good morning, sweetheart. What can I get you?
- ClientaDos panes, por favor.Two loaves, please.
- Doña RosaAquí tienes, cariño.Here you are, sweetheart.
