Gracias, cariño
/ˈɡɾaθjas/ [ˈɡɾa.θjas kaˈɾiɲo/word by word
The English phrase 'thank you sweetheart' can be translated into Spanish as Gracias, cariño.
This phrase is used to express gratitude to someone you have a close or affectionate relationship with.
What does it mean word for word?
The word cariño literally means 'affection' or 'care', but it is used here as a term of endearment meaning 'dear' or 'darling'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase Gracias, cariño is informal and should be used with people you have a close or affectionate relationship with.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a woman, you can use Gracias, cariño, but the word cariño remains masculine in form even when referring to a female.
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, you might hear the phrase Gracias, tesoro instead of cariño, which translates literally to 'thank you, treasure'.
- The word gracias shares its root with the English word 'grace', reflecting the original Latin idea of a favor or a plea for mercy.
- Depending on the region, using cariño with a stranger can be seen as warm and welcoming in Spain but may be perceived as overly familiar or condescending in parts of Mexico.
Examples in context
- Gracias, cariño, por las flores.Thank you sweetheart, for the flowers.
- Gracias, cariño, por ayudarme hoy.Thank you sweetheart, for helping me today.
- Eres muy amable, gracias, cariño.You are very kind, thank you sweetheart.
Example conversation
Lucía gives Daniel a small gift.
- DanielGracias, cariño, me encanta.Thank you, sweetheart, I love it.
- LucíaMe alegra que te guste, Daniel.I'm glad you like it, Daniel.
- DanielFue muy amable de tu parte.That was very kind of you.
- LucíaDe nada, cielo.You're welcome, honey.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (gracias, cariño) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cariño, gracias, CC BY-SA 4.0.
