Regardless of your reasons to learn Spanish, there’s no doubt that, at some point, you’ll interact with native speakers. At that point, knowing some common Spanish terms of endearment can help you express your affection towards relatives, friends, or your significant other.
With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of 60 popular terms of endearment you can use. Here is how this vocabulary guide is broken down:
- List of Terms of Endearment in Spanish
- Terms of endearment for family and friends
- Terms of endearment for couples
- How to Use Spanish Diminutives as Terms of Endearment
- Downloadable PDF
Terms of Endearment in Spanish
In the sections below, you’ll find the most popular terms of endearment in Spanish. Be aware that you can use these words with different people.
Spanish Terms of endearment for family and friends
Here is a list of common terms of endearment that are often used with your family, relatives and close friends. When applicable, I’ve included their feminine and masculine versions. Keep in mind that some of these terms of endearment in Spanish may not have a direct translation.
- Abuelita: Granny
- Abuelito: Grampa
- Amiguito / Amiguita: Buddy
- Bebé: Babe
- Cachetón / Cachetona: Chubby cheeks
- Cariño: Honey / Darling
- Chaparrito / Chaparrita: Shorty
- Chino / China: Curly
- Chiquito / Chiquita: Little one
- Chore: Dumbo (big ears)
- Compa: Buddy / Dud
- Corazón: Honey
- Cuqui: Cutie
- Flaco / Flaca: Skinny
- Gordi: Fatty
- Guapo / Guapa: Handsome / Gorgeous
- Güero / Güera: Blondie
- Güey: Dude / Buddy
- Hermosa: Beautiful / Gorgeous
- Lindo / Linda: Cutie
- Mami: Mommy / Sweetie
- Mijo / Mija: Son / Daughter / Honey
- Muñeco / Muñeca: Doll
- Nene / Nena: Babe / Boy / Girl
- Ojón / Ojona: Big eyes
- Papi: Daddy / Sweetie
- Pana: Pal / Buddy
- Pilluelo / Pilluela: Rascal
- Querido / Querida: Darling
Here are a couple of notes that can help you use these words correctly:
- In Latin American Spanish, mami and papi are often used as Spanish terms of endearment for children.
- Cariño is a popular term of endearment in Castilian Spanish. Although it’s more common in this country, you can also use it in other countries and dialects.
- ‘Güero’ or ‘Güera’ are not derogatory terms but popular pet names in Mexican Spanish.
- Mexican males used the nickname ‘chore’ to refer to a male friend with big ears. Even though this is a funny term of endearment, be careful because some people may see it as mocking.
- ‘Compa’, ‘güey’, and ‘güero’ are pet names in Mexican Spanish.
- ‘Mijo’ and ‘mija’ are used in Latin American countries and can be used as Spanish terms of endearment for children or significant others.
- ‘Querido’ is an affectionate word, but it’s slightly more formal.
Terms of endearment for girlfriend and boyfriend in Spanish
Although couples may have their private pet names, there are some common romantic terms of endearment people often use with their spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend.
- Amor: Love
- Amor mío: My love
- Amorcín: Boo / Love
- Amorcito: Boo / Sugar
- Ángel: Angel
- Bombón: Cupcake
- Bizcochito: Cookie
- Cari: Boo
- Cariñito: Boo / Honey
- Caramelito: Sweetheart / Sweety
- Cielo: Honey
- Conejito: Bunny
- Corazón de melón: Sugar / Honey
- Dueño/a de mis quincenas: The boss
- Encanto: Love / Cutie
- Esposito / Esposita: Hubby / Wifey
- Flaquito / Flaquita: Skinny
- Gordito / Gordita: Fatty / Little fatty
- Mamacita: Hottie
- Mi amor: My love
- Mi cielo: My love
- Mi todo: My everything
- Mi reina: My queen
- Mi rey: My king
- Mi vida: My love / My life
- Ojitos lindos: Pretty eyes
- Osito: Teddy
- Papacito: Hottie
- Pedacito de cielo: Piece of heaven
- Príncipe: Prince
- Princesa: Princess
- Pollito: Chicken
- Tesoro: Dear / Boo
These terms of endearment can be used to address or refer to your boyfriend or girlfriend. Many of these terms are more affectionate when adding a Spanish possessive pronoun.
Te amo mucho, mi gordita.
I love you very much, my little fatty.
(Mi) Amor, ¿ya estás listo?
Are you ready, love?
Take Note: Although many Spanish terms of endearment that are based on physical appearance (such as gordito) may seem cutting or rude to you, they’re not perceived this way in Spanish.
Spanish Diminutives: How to Form Terms of Endearment
Diminutives in Spanish are special endings that express affection. As a result, they’re an excellent tool for you to form your terms of endearment. Spanish diminutives are words ending with -ito (masculine) and -ita (feminine).
To form terms of endearment with diminutives, you simply have to add the previous ending to a noun or adjective of physical appearance. For example:
- Amor: Amorcito
- Cielo: Cielito
- Chaparro: Chaparrito
- Marta: Martita
- Princesa: Princesita
Spanish diminutives are translated as ‘little’ or ‘small’. However, in some cases, their translation may not make sense in English. Just keep in mind that these structures convey affection in Spanish.
Take Note: Depending on the ending of the noun or adjective you use, Spanish spelling rules may require you to add some additional letters to the diminutive endings. In this guide, you can check what those changes are.
Spanish Terms of Endearment Additional Resources
Relationships are one of the main reasons why people learn Spanish. If this is your case, here are some vocabulary resources you can use to learn new words to address your loved ones:
- Different ways to say my love in Spanish
- Words to call a girl beautiful in Spanish
- Expressions to say I love you
Download the Terms of Endearment in Spanish PDF
What you may have noticed after looking at these lists of terms of endearment, is that there are many different Spanish words to express your affection for others. The words you might use in English, might not be the same you wish to use in Spanish. You can download a free copy of the PDF for this guide with all 60+ terms so you can practice them and apply new ones as you talk to different friends, family, and loved ones.
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