The 19 Most Common Spanish Terms of Endearment For Your Loved Ones

Besides French, Spanish is one of the most romantic languages.

No wonder because native speakers are so friendly and open-hearted. Through their affection toward anyone, even unknown people you can see that warmth.

Therefore, words and phrases of endearment in Spanish are something every Spanish learner should know, at least the most commonly used ones.

Not only will you expand your vocabulary but you will also know how and when to use particular Spanish terms of endearment and also whether you should use them.

We've gathered the 19 most common Spanish terms of endearment in one place to make your life easier and sweeter.

Let's dive in.

How to Memorize Phrases of Endearment?

Just like other words and phrases, sometimes memorizing these terms can be equally challenging (or perhaps not.)

Compared to the other, there’s one slight difference in these terms.

All of them are romantic and sweet so you learn them for a good reason: to call your loved one, a kid, or a close friend.

• With the help of Spanish tutors, you can quickly memorize all these terms and learn the proper pronunciation.

• Another great way to try memorizing them is with flashcard apps, for example. There are many great flashcard apps available completely for free, so use the benefit and practice your brain and memory the fun way wherever you are.

• If you still wonder how to memorize vocabulary, there are many other creative ways to study vocabulary words, such as playing vocabulary games, learning with pictures, or making a story out of the new words.

The 19 Most Commonly Used Spanish Terms of Endearment

Mi Alma

In the meaning of 'my soul,' this phrase shows how Spanish is a sweet and emotional language.

By telling someone 'mi alma,' you show your strong and true emotions.

Mi Amado

Created from the verb ‘amar,’ ‘amado’ can be translated as ‘loved.’

Therefore ‘mi amado’s English equivalent is ‘my beloved.’

Another phrase you can use instead is ‘mi amor.’

Mi Corazon

This phrase can be translated as 'my heart.'

It can be used when you want to show your strong feelings but also when you feel positive emotions toward someone but which are still a little casual.

Mi Sirenita

‘My little mermaid’ sounds very cute especially if you are a Disney movie fan.

In Spanish, it is used romantically, between two people who love each other.

Mi Luz

Saying to your loved one that he or she is your light, in Spanish is pretty common.

However, that doesn’t mean that it isn’t serious, that is, that people are saying it every day. On the contrary, it is used for serious relationships.

Apart from this, it is also common for parents to tell their kids ‘mi luz,’ in the meaning ‘my light.’

Mi Sol

Translated as ‘my sunshine’ this term can be used both for men and women and it is also commonly used for kids by their parents.

Mi Tesoro

‘My treasure’ is the phrase adults use when they want to say something sweet to their kids.

And it is quite a properly used term because our kids are our true treasures.

Mi Vida

In English, ‘mi vida’ means ‘my life.’

Telling someone that you are his life makes him feel very special, so from this phrase, you can see how you can be serious about your feelings toward someone very special to you in Spanish.

Mis Ojos

Even though this term can be used among partners, it is more often used for kids. In English, it can be translated as ‘my eyes.’

Bomboncita

In Spanish, it is common to use the suffix -ito to express something small and sweet.

Therefore, by adding the suffix to the word ‘bombon’ they make ‘bomboncita’ which can be translated as ‘little candy’

This phrase is usually used for kids, especially little girls.

Cariño/a

This phrase is one of the most commonly used and just like the English use ‘dear,’ in Spanish ‘cariño’ for men and ‘cariña’ for women is used in the same situations.

Chiquito/a

Chiquito/a can be translated as ‘little one’ and can be used for boys, chiquito, and girls, chiquita.

Chulo/a

This phrase can be used for men, women, and kids also. It can be translated as ‘cute.’

However, be careful where you will use this phrase because, in romantically Costa Rica, it refers to the people who live from the others.

Corazoncito

We’ve learned what ‘mi corazon’ means and when to use it.

Almost the same is the term ‘coranzoncito.’ Translated as ‘little heart’ it is used similarly as in the English equivalent ‘sweetheart.’

Gordito/a

Even though it means ‘little fatty,’ this term is often used between lovers and it isn’t there to insult. On the contrary, used this way, its purpose is to get closer to two people in a cute way.

Guapo/a

In the meaning ‘pretty,’ this term can be used both for men and women and mainly refers to someone attractive. 

Mijo/ Mija

Mijo is shortened from ‘mi hijo’ which means ‘my son’ and ‘mija’ comes from ‘mi hija’ meaning ‘my daughter.’

Parents usually use the phrase for their kids, although adults often use it for any kid, no matter if they are relatives or strangers.

Here, you can also use the suffix -ito/ita to make it smaller and cuter, ‘mijito/ mijita.’

Pollito

Literally, this phrase means ‘little chicken,’ but it is used in different situations to describe something ‘attractive,’ ‘cute,’ or ‘adorable.’

Querido/a

This term is perhaps the most commonly used one.

Even non-Spanish speakers have heard about this term and know what it means.

In English, it means ‘darling’ and when used as ‘querido’ it refers to men, while ‘querida’ is used for women.

Final Thoughts

As you can see these terms of endearment aren’t so hard to remember.

Plus, we’ve given you some suggestions on how to memorize them easily and quickly.

These phrases are always good to know, whether you want to impress your significant other, to show the locals how your Spanish is on a pretty high level, or practice your skills with Spanish tutors about one more topic.