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"Cariñitos"

"Cariñitos"

0
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¡Hola a todos! I just received a sweet note from the mother of a South American guy that I've been getting to know but we aren't technically "dating" yet. Anyway, at the end of her note she says, "Me encanta la idea que mi hijo y tu se comuniquen, cariñitos". I get the general idea here, that she loves the idea of her son and I talking back and forth but I'm not sure how to interpret the last part. I know "cariño" can mean love, affection, caring, etc., but what EXACTLY is she implying here, do you think? Can "cariñitos" in this instance mean "sweethearts" or "as novios" or what? Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

6909 views
updated SEP 16, 2008
posted by Cerecita

7 Answers

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Yes, exactly. Thanks, James!

James Santiago said:

pedazito (little piece)In words that end in -zo/a, the Z changes to a C when forming the diminutive. Therefore, it is pedacito.I'm sure Cerecita understands diminutives; she was just wondering why the word cariñitos was at the end of the sentence. It was just poor punctuation in the original that threw her off.

>

updated SEP 16, 2008
posted by Cerecita
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pedazito (little piece)

In words that end in -zo/a, the Z changes to a C when forming the diminutive. Therefore, it is pedacito.

I'm sure Cerecita understands diminutives; she was just wondering why the word cariñitos was at the end of the sentence. It was just poor punctuation in the original that threw her off.

updated SEP 16, 2008
posted by 00bacfba
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In Spanish diminutives is used a lot with names, especially with small children and other descriptive words. Example: a little girl by the name of Monica would be referred as Moniquita (little Monica). A piece which is pedazo in Spanish could be referred as pedazito (little piece). So same is with carinitos, it is a warmer and more affectionate way of speaking.

updated SEP 16, 2008
posted by Lola
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Yes, they are peruanos and Peruvians use diminuitives all the time. I am told it comes from the Quechua tradtition as they are a very loving, caring and affectionate people.

Eddy said:

I know cariños means love as in a greeting, so I assume cariñitos is the diminutive of this greeting.

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updated SEP 16, 2008
posted by Cerecita
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Ah, yes... you're probably right! Thanks, James!

James Santiago said:

She seems to be signing off with the word, rather than adding it to the previous sentence. At the end of a letter, it just means "love," or "affectionately."

>

updated SEP 16, 2008
posted by Cerecita
0
votes

I know cariños means love as in a greeting, ie, someone sends their love, so I assume cariñitos is the diminutive of this greeting.

updated SEP 16, 2008
posted by Eddy
0
votes

She seems to be signing off with the word, rather than adding it to the previous sentence. At the end of a letter, it just means "love," or "affectionately."

updated SEP 16, 2008
posted by 00bacfba
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