gracias, cariño
/ˈɡɾaθjas/ [ˈɡɾa.θjas kaˈɾiɲo/word by word
The English phrase "thank you, sweetie" is translated into Spanish as gracias, cariño.
This phrase is a way to express gratitude while using an affectionate term of endearment. While gracias is the standard, neutral way to say thank you, appending cariño shifts the tone from a polite or neutral interaction to one that is much more affectionate and intimate.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, the noun cariño is used in the vocative case, which means it is being used to address someone directly.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈɡɾaθjas/ [ˈɡɾa.θjas kaˈɾiɲo]. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In Spain, cariño is frequently used by strangers in service roles, such as a shopkeeper or a waiter, to be friendly to customers. In many Latin American countries, this usage is less common and might feel overly intimate.
- Spanish has many 'sweetie' alternatives that change based on the object. For instance, corazón meaning 'heart' or cielo meaning 'sky' are often used instead of cariño to express the same level of affection.
- Depending on the region, cariño can be used as a gender-neutral term of endearment. It does not change to a feminine form when addressing a woman, unlike many other Spanish adjectives.
Examples in context
- Gracias, cariño, María. Eres increíble.Thank you, sweetie, Maria. You are amazing.
- Gracias, cariño, por el café.Thank you, sweetie, for the coffee.
- Muchas gracias, cariño, eres muy amable.Thank you so much, sweetie, you are very kind.
- Gracias, cariño, por ayudarme con la bolsa.Thank you, sweetie, for helping me with the bag.
Example conversation
Alejandro brings Elena a cup of coffee.
- ElenaGracias, cariño.Thank you, sweetie.
- AlejandroDe nada, mi amor.You're welcome, my love.
- ElenaHuele muy bien.It smells very good.
- AlejandroDisfrútalo mucho.Enjoy it a lot.
