acariciar
/akaɾiˈθjaɾ/
The English phrase 'to pet' is translated into Spanish as acariciar.
Acariciar is used to describe the action of stroking or rubbing an animal gently with the hand to show affection. Beyond animals, it can also be used metaphorically to mean 'to caress' or 'to stroke', such as when stroking a person's cheek or hair.
How do you pronounce it?
/akaɾiˈθjaɾ/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, acariciar can be used figuratively in politics or social negotiation to mean 'to flatter' or 'to handle someone with extreme delicacy' to get a desired result.
- In Spanish, acariciar is used poetically to describe nature, such as una caricia del viento to describe a gentle breeze.
- The word acariciar shares the same ancient root as the English word 'dear', as both stem from a concept of being precious or beloved.
Examples in context
- Tom se agachó para acariciar a su perro.Tom reached down to pet his dog.This sentence shows how to use acariciar when referring to a dog.Tatoeba #7802015 by emigonza, translation #2957814 by CK
- Fui a acariciar al gato y ella se me estornudó a mí.I went to pet the cat and she sneezed on me.This sentence demonstrates the use of acariciar when interacting with a cat.Tatoeba #12874713 by mexicanhere, translation #8736674 by shekitten
- María acarició al gato suavemente.Maria petted the cat gently.
- El profesor acarició su barba mientras pensaba.The professor stroked his beard while thinking.
- Mi abuela siempre da mimos a su perro.My grandmother always pets her dog.
- El dueño del gato le dio mimos hasta que se durmió.The cat's owner petted him until he fell asleep.
- Acaricié a mi gato hasta que se durmió en mis brazos.I petted my cat until he fell asleep in my arms.
- No puedo resistirme a mimar a los cachorros.I can't resist petting the puppies.
- Me gusta acariciar a los conejos.I like to pet rabbits.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are at a local animal shelter.
- Sofía¿Puedes acariciar a ese cachorro?Can you pet that puppy?
- AlejandroSí, es muy suave.Yes, he is very soft.
- SofíaÉl quiere que lo acaricies.He wants you to pet him.
- AlejandroMe encanta acariciar animales.I love petting animals.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry acariciar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries acariciar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
