Spanish Conversation · Level 51
74 words
Spanish word
cariño
Pronunciation
IPA/kaˈɾiɲo/
Meaning
- masculine nounaffection
Example
Ella siente cariño por su hermano.
She feels affection for her brother.
More examples
Los abuelos mostraron cariño a los nietos.
The grandparents showed affection to the grandchildren.
Core concept
Warm, close tenderness shown by gentle words or gestures.
Common phrases
tenerle cariño a
be fond of
mostrar cariño a
show affection to
con cariño
with affection
Similar words
afecto: Mild, friendly fondness felt for someone without intense passion.
amor: Profound love involving passion, devotion, or long-term commitment.
ternura: A soft, tender response to another's fragility or adorable traits.
aprecio: Positive regard based on valuing someone's abilities or character.
Definition in Spanish
Afecto cálido y cercano que se siente por otra persona y se expresa mediante gestos o palabras de ternura.
Word origin
Derives from Latin carus 'dear' plus a medieval Romance diminutive suffix that yields the Spanish form cariño.
Usage tips
- It functions as a term of endearment or vocative, for example 'mi cariño', mainly for partners, family, and children and it is generally avoided in formal or professional contexts.
Other meanings
- fondnessnoun
- likingnoun
- attachmentnoun
Opposites
- odiohatrednoun
- indiferenciaindifferencenoun
Related words
- cariñosoaffectionateadjective
- acariñardote onverb
- cariñosamenteaffectionatelyadverb