German word

herzlich

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈhɛʁtslɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectivewarm

Example

Sie schenkte ihm ein herzliches Lächeln.

She gave him a warm smile.

Illustration for herzlich (warm)

More examples

Wir erhielten eine herzliche Einladung zur Hochzeit.

We received a warm invitation to the wedding.

Core concept

Warmth from the heart reaching another person through genuine kindness.

Common phrases

  • herzliches Lächeln

    warm smile

  • herzliche Einladung

    warm invitation

Similar words

freundlich: Courteous and pleasant in dealing with other people.
warmherzig: Naturally compassionate, generous, and emotionally warm.
nett: Friendly and agreeable in a straightforward, everyday way.
liebevoll: Marked by tender care and loving attention.

Definition in German

warm und aufrichtig in den Gefühlen; zeigt freundliche Anteilnahme

Word origin

Herzlich combines the German noun Herz, meaning heart, with the adjective-forming suffix -lich, giving the sense of heartfelt or heart-based.

Usage tips

  • Herzlich often expresses more emotional warmth than freundlich, which more neutrally means friendly or kind.

Other meanings

  • heartilyadverb
  • cordiallyadverb
  • friendlyadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Herzlichkeitwarmthnoun

Word lists with this word