Cariño
/kaɾiɲo/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for sweetheart is Cariño.
Cariño is used to refer to a person who is very much liked or loved, similar to the English terms sweetheart, darling or cutie. It can function as a noun meaning sweetheart, but it can also function as a noun meaning affection or care. Additionally, it is used as an informal interjection to address someone directly as darling.
Meaning: a person very much liked or loved by someone (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
As a noun, the plural form of Cariño is cariños.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaɾiɲo/
Did you know?
- The term is so versatile that it can be used to describe a physical action, such as a 'caress' or a 'stroke', when referring to an animal or even an object.
- While Cariño is common, Spanish speakers often use Cielo meaning 'sky' or 'heaven' to call a sweetheart. It is similar to calling someone 'my sunshine' in English.
- The Spanish word Cariño was borrowed from the Galician language.
Examples in context
- Buenos días, cariño.Good morning, sweetheart.This sentence shows how to use Cariño in a morning greeting.Tatoeba #5048517 by don_ramon, translation #1808502 by CK
- Cariño, tenemos que ir al supermercado. Se nos acabó la leche.Sweetheart, we need to go to the supermarket. We ran out of milk.This sentence demonstrates using Cariño to get someone's attention before delivering news.Tatoeba #1767626 by marcelostockle, translation #837002 by nthkmf
- ¿Por qué lloras, cariño?What are you crying about, sweetheart?This sentence shows how to use Cariño when expressing concern for someone.Tatoeba #1685336 by Elenitigormiti, translation #383665 by Dorenda
- Hola, mi amor. ¿Cómo estás?Hello, my sweetheart. How are you?
- ¡Hola, cariño! ¿Cómo te ha ido el día?Hello, sweetheart! How was your day?
- ¡Te amo, mi vida!I love you, my sweetheart/my life!
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are at home in the evening.
- AlejandroElena, ¿estás cansada, cariño?Elena, are you tired, sweetheart?
- ElenaSí, Alejandro, ha sido un día largo.Yes, Alejandro, it has been a long day.
- AlejandroTe prepararé un té, cariño.I will make you some tea, sweetheart.
- ElenaGracias, eres muy amable.Thank you, you are very kind.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Cariño, cariño, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
