Spanish Conversation · Level 32
90 words
Spanish word
ternura
Pronunciation
IPA/teɾˈnuɾa/
Meaning
- feminine nountenderness
Example
Ella mostró ternura al bebé.
She showed tenderness to the baby.
More examples
La película provocó ternura en el público.
The movie provoked tenderness in the audience.
Core concept
Two people sharing a quiet, warm smile while one comforts the other.
Common phrases
mostrar ternura
display tenderness
sentir ternura
experience tenderness
mirada de ternura
tender gaze
Similar words
cariño: Warm fondness or affection shown toward someone through caring attention or small gestures.
afecto: Steady emotional attachment or fondness toward someone, felt as warm regard and care.
dulzura: Mild, pleasant softness in manner, voice, or expression that feels gentle and sweet.
amabilidad: Kind, considerate behavior toward others, shown by helpful or polite actions.
Definition in Spanish
Sentimiento blando y compasivo que surge al percibir la vulnerabilidad o la inocencia de alguien o algo.
Word origin
Built from tierno (from Latin tener 'soft, tender') plus the nominal suffix -ura, historically marking an abstract quality of softness or affection.
Usage tips
- Common collocations include mostrar ternura, sentir ternura, producir ternura and dar ternura, and phrases like "qué tierno" work as a gentle compliment or expression of sympathy.