Do you know that people from Spanish-speaking countries are very passionate?

Perhaps it is because of the Spanish language as one of the Romance languages, and even though the word 'romance' here doesn't refer to love and endearment, maybe that word spreads the overall impression.

No matter the reason, Spaniards are people who adore to use terms of endearment and show their affection and love.

Therefore, it isn't so odd that there are many different and often used terms of endearment.

In case you want to boost your Spanish vocabulary list and learn something that keeps your heart and soul warm and pleasant but also makes your brain do the necessary exercise, you should keep up reading because in the following lines you will find the 13 most common Spanish terms of endearment.

Let's get started.

The 13 Most Common Spanish Terms of Endearment

Depending on the phrase, some of them can be used among married couples, others among people who are dating, and some can be used for both and also can make you send mixed messages.

Therefore, body language and the situation you use it will be crucial here.

Mi Alma

Meaning ‘my soul,’ this phrase is used only for special people, people you are serious about. 

Yes, you can use it with whomever you want, but then you lose the whole point and meaning of the phrase.

Mi Cielito

This expression is often used for kids but sometimes lovers use it as well.

It means ‘my little sky’ or ‘my little heaven.’

Due to using the ‘little’ in the phrase, no wonder it is often used for children.

Mi Corazón

This term of endearment can be translated as ‘my heart.’

It is one of the pretty common phrases people use to show someone special how much he means to them. Also, it can be used only as ‘corazón’ and it has the same meaning as the full phrase.

Mi Vida

The phrase ‘mi vida’ in English means ‘my life.’ 

Like the previous one, this phrase also has a meaning that shows someone special to you how you feel about him.

Bomboncito/a

This term comes from the word ‘bombon’ which means ‘candy.’

Therefore, the phrase can be translated as ‘little candy.’

As you’ve already noticed, the suffix -ito/ita is used to show something smaller and sweeter in our cases.

‘Bomboncita’ is a commonly used phrase for girlfriends as well and its English equivalent would be ‘sweetie.’

Chiquito/a

Translated as ‘little one,’ this term is mainly used for kids, ‘chiquito’ for boys, and ‘chiquita’ for girls.

Interestingly, this term is commonly used both in Spain and Latin America with the same connotation.

Chulo/a

This term is used only in particular parts of the Hispanic world, so you can hear it often in Spain and only in some parts of Latin America.

It means ‘cute,’ or ‘nice’ but in some countries like Brazil, it can have a negative connotation.

In other countries it can be considered as an old-fashioned phrase, so you won’t hear it often.

Corazoncito/a

Now that you know what the word ‘corazon’ means, we give you one more phrase you can use to warm your and someone else’s heart.

It can be translated as ‘little heart’ and it is usually used for your significant other to show your affection and love.

Sometimes it can also be used for kids, too.

Gordo/a

The word ‘gordo’ or ‘gorda’ means ‘fat, chubby’ in English.

Besides its main meaning, this word can be used as a term of endearment and not offend anyone.

Something like ‘fatty’ in English, in Spanish it is used among close friends and lovers and always has a positive reaction from the other part.

Lindo/a

The word ‘lindo/linda’ means ‘good,’ ‘nice,’ or ‘pretty.’

It is usually used for women, showing them how pretty they are.

This word is also a part of the phrase ‘que lindo/ linda!’ which is used for everything you want to exclaim ‘how pretty!’

Also, it can be used for people you don’t know that well but you want to give them some compliments.

Mamá/ Papá

We are sure you know the meaning of these words, but believe it or not, they can be used in completely different situations and for a different purpose than you are used to.

In terms of endearment, these words can be used for someone who isn’t your parents but someone you find very special to you. It is commonly used in Latin American countries.

Nene/a

The word ‘nene’ is used for boys and means ‘baby boy,’ while ‘nena’ is used for girls in the meaning of 'baby girl.’

In contexts when you want to show how much someone means to you, you can use this term, often for kids, but also for your boyfriend or girlfriend, too. The English equivalent would be ‘kiddo,’ so just like you would use this term in English, you can use ‘nene’ or ‘nena’ in Spanish.

Reinita

This word comes from the word ‘reina,’ which means ‘queen.’ The suffix used here is to make something cutter like ‘little queen.’

This term is used for little girls, showing them how special and sweet they are, just like little queens and princesses.

Final Thoughts

After reading this post, do you feel your heart got warm?

Do you want to run and show your love to your special people by saying some of these terms?

We understand you completely. 

These so sweet phrases can’t be just read and memorized. They have to be felt and expressed the right way.

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