Baby as a nickname in Spanish

Question

In English I call my children and husband "baby or babe" in Spanish would I say "bebé" "cariño" or something else?

Answer 1

I think it's best avoided.

In many languages, to call somebody a ' babuy' or ' small child' is an insult to theri intelligence.In England we don't use ' baby' in a positive manner , we say : ' Don't be such a baby!'

'What a baby she is! ' ' He is a right cry-baby!'

These are not positive comments. Spanish has very many affectionate words, I would avoid ' bebe'.

Annie, I take your point and I agree with you to a point, but I think that it really depends on how the word is spoken ie: the tone of voice used. You can say many words like this either affectionately or negatively and /or with intent to patronise and... - FELIZ77, Oct 13, 2014

...(cont'd): insult. it also depends on the context of course. Simply because some words are used negatively by sme people, does that mean that the rest of us should never use them in a positive way? - FELIZ77, Oct 13, 2014

I am English and baby is not a negative word. Although it can be in many respects practically everyone I know calls their children, boyfriend, husband etc "babe" so this is not unusual :-) I do understand what you mean so possibly it won't directly - Littlebee, Oct 13, 2014

Translate in to spanish. I will have to find I a new pet name when speaking spanish. Thanks - Littlebee, Oct 13, 2014

I agree , Feliz, but if somebody calls me ' Babe' I will think they are American.. - annierats, Oct 14, 2014

Littlebee, are you American? - annierats, Oct 14, 2014

Answer 2

My wife does not appreciate Spanish, so I haven’t spent much time learning these, but this site gives you options:

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/spanish-terms-of-endearment.html

Amorcito - My Love / Sweety

Cariño - My Sweetheart

Mi Amor - My LoveMi Vida - My Life

Mi Sol - My Sun

Mi Tesoro - My Treasure

Corazon – Sweetheart

Chiquita / Chiquito - Little One

Mi Cielo - My Heaven / Sky

Hermosa – Gorgeous

Preciosa – Precious

Cuchura / Cuchuras – Sweety

Muñequita - Little Doll

Belleza – Beautiful

Princesita - Little Princess

Pequeña - Little one

Dulzura - Honey / Sweet Thing

Sirenita - Little Mermaid

Querido - My Darling

Lucero - Little Bright Star

Florecita - Little Flower

Mi Reina - My Queen

Mi Rey - My King

Nene - Baby Boy

Niña - Baby Girl

Corazoncito - My Heart / Little Heart

Mi Hombre Hermoso - My Handsome Man

Mi Querida / Mi Querido - My Dear

Wow, what an impressive and extensive list, Bosque! :) - FELIZ77, Oct 13, 2014

Answer 3

Hello Little bee,

Welcome back

In English I call my children and husband "baby or babe" in Spanish would I say "bebé" "cariño" or something else?

Well, the Spanish have lots of words to express affection:

cariño (never cariña) = sweetheart, honey, love

nene/a = little boy/girl

princesa/ita, = princess/little princess

mi amor = my love

amorcito/a, = my little love

querido/a = dear/darling

cielo = darling

tresor = treasure

etc... I am sure there are many more lol

The Spanish are very fond of creating diminutives of words to express their love for someone special to them whcih I find sweet and quite touching!

I don't know whether bebé would be used directly or not since it seems a bit too literal but it would seem to me more appropriate as a term of affection for a child than your partner lol Please wait and see what any native speakers would say about this word!

Personally speaking, I would be more inclined to use to use cariño (can apply to a guy or a girl) mi amor, amorcito/a or querida for (to address) my partner and cielo, tresor, for both young boys and girls and nene /a for a young boy/girl respectively

I hope this helps

Answer 4

Thank you for all the suggestions