Meaning of "estar cariñoso"

Question

Hi,

I know that 'ser cariñoso' is 'to be affectionate'. A guy that I'm seeing texted me 'estoy cariñoso' and I'm confused about the use of verb 'estar' in this case. Does it still mean that he's feeling affectionate but with the emphasis that he's feeling it at this very moment, or does it change the context in any way? I've also read somewhere that 'estar cariñoso' can be used when someone is trying to reconcile with another person or compensate for something done wrong. Is that true?

Thanks for all the answers!

Bienvenido, Bubbles. Very interesting question, I've never thought about this, I think the use with ' estar' must be fairly unusual? - annierats, May 30, 2016

Answer 1

Hi burbujas,

You are right! 'Estar cariñoso' emphasizes that feeling in that moment. It's true that it could change the context a bit, an affectionate sexual context (??).

The last way that you have used, I've never heard before or used it.

Answer 2

Interesting question. I'm not a native but if the sentece is written by a native the ' estar' must be to convey that this was not always so, I think. Normally it is ' ser cariñoso'. If the context is after a quarrel or break-up, then yes, it may well indicate that the person is feeling forgiving and wants to make up. Pls await native answers.

Answer 3

Thanks for the help guys!

It was sent after I got a little upset with him for not doing something promised and before we were supposed to meet, that's why I wasn't sure what he meant but I guess he wanted to emphasise the feeling at that time. These little things can be confusing but I guess it's just another way of learning.