Complex adjective modifications

Question

Can anybody think of some ways to say "sweetie" or "dear"? I have "amorcita", "conocencia", and "querida". I have a big question. "querida" is the past participle of "querer", which means it can act as an adjective, but when I call someone "querida", I'm calling them a noun (at least in the context that I am trying to use it). With this said, can I use the diminutive, "ito, ita", since "querida" can act like a noun? I already know that the absolute superlative "queridísima" is correct, but could I also use "ito, ita"? Example: "Adiós queridita" "bye bye my little loved one". Is that correct?

Thanks a bunch everybody for helping me out! - GuitarWarrior, Apr 12, 2011

Answer 1

Yes in this case you can use amorcito o queridita/queridito. The latter sound like saying in jest, so I would be cautious...

I guess, I'll know when I try it tomorrow on one of my relatives who will be surprised to see me :) - GuitarWarrior, Apr 9, 2011

Queridita CAN be used, and my auntie thought it was cute! I guess this is another word that I should add to my bingo book. - GuitarWarrior, Apr 11, 2011

Answer 2

I have never heard "conocencia" (and it sounds strange), but you have "querido/a", "cariño", "encanto", "precioso/a", "mi amor", "dulzura", "chato/a" and many other personal variations.

Ironically, while Spanish is a million times more standardised than English in its spelling, it is much more variable in its colloquial lexicon.

Thank you so much Lazarus. I really appreciate your help. :) - GuitarWarrior, Jul 5, 2011

Answer 3

Cariño is one that I've picked up from over the years as meaning darling. Chato/a is not one I've heard though.. I shall add it to the list!

Hey, I think I should make a list of my own. I'll call it my bingo book! Don't really know why. - GuitarWarrior, Apr 11, 2011