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"Cariño" is a noun which is often translated as "affection", and "precioso" is an adjective which is often translated as "beautiful". Learn more about the difference between "cariño" and "precioso" below.
el cariño(
kah
-
ree
-
nyoh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (fondness)
d. sweetheart
Cariño, no te olvides de que hoy cenamos en casa de mis padres.Sweetheart, don't forget we're having dinner at my parents' today.
f. baby (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Cariño, ¿dónde está mi celular?Baby, where's my phone?
g. babe (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Cariño, ¿me traes el desayuno a la cama?Babe, can you make me breakfast in bed?
precioso(
preh
-
syoh
-
soh
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (pretty)
a. beautiful
La vista desde la peña está preciosa.The view from the cliff is beautiful.
Este es un broche precioso. ¿Dónde lo compraste?This is a beautiful brooch. Where did you buy it?
b. gorgeous
Estás preciosa con tu nuevo vestido y tu nuevo corte de pelo.You look gorgeous with your new dress and your new haircut.
c. lovely
Es un día precioso. ¿Por qué no damos un paseo en el parque?It's a lovely day. Why don't we go for a walk in the park?
2. (of value)
This means that the noun can be masculine or feminine, depending on the gender of the noun it refers to (e.g., el doctor, la doctora).
b. sweetheart
No te preocupes, preciosa. Todo saldrá bien, ya verás.Don't worry, sweetheart. Everything will be ok, you'll see.