sí, cariño
/ˈsi kaˈɾiɲo/word by word
The English phrase "yes, baby" can be translated into Spanish as sí, cariño.
This phrase is used as an affectionate way to say yes to a romantic partner or a loved one.
Which one should you use?
Use Sí, nene to say "yes, baby" to a male listener and Sí, nena to a female listener. You may also use Sí, cariño mío to mean "yes, my baby" or sí, mi amor to mean "yes, my love".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsi kaˈɾiɲo/
Did you know?
- The word sí shares a linguistic ancestor with the English word 'self'. This is because the Latin root sibi refers to 'oneself', which evolved into the Spanish reflexive pronoun sí.
- The words nene and nena literally mean 'small child'. Using them for a romantic partner is a specific linguistic shift used to signal deep intimacy.
- Unlike many other terms of endearment, cariño is one of the few words that can be used interchangeably for a romantic partner and a pet.
Examples in context
- Sí, cariño, estaré allí puntualmente.Yes, darling, I will be there promptly.
- Sí, cariño mío, siempre estaré aquí para ti.Yes, my baby, I will always be here for you.
- Sí, cariño, te amo.Yes, baby, I love you.
- Sí, cariño, podemos ir mañana.Yes, baby, we can go tomorrow.
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- Sofía¿Quieres pedir pizza esta noche, Daniel?Do you want to order pizza tonight, Daniel?
- DanielSí, cariño, me parece una idea genial.Yes, baby, that sounds like a great idea.
- SofíaPerfecto, voy a pedirla ahora.Perfect, I am going to order it now.
- DanielGracias, eres la mejor.Thanks, you are the best.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (sí, cariño) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cariño, sí, CC BY-SA 4.0.
