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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).
masculine noun
a. affection
Echaba de menos el cariño de su familia.He missed the affection of his family.
a. care
La enfermera trató al paciente con cariño.The nurse treated the patient with care.
a. caress
Al bebé le gustan los cariños de su madre.The baby likes his mother's caresses.
a. dear
¿Dormiste bien, cariño?Did you sleep well, dear?
b. honey
Dame un beso, cariño.Give me a kiss, honey.
c. darling
¿Hiciste la tarea, cariño? - Sí, papá.Did you do your homework, darling? - Yes, Dad.
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.
e. love
Cariño, ¿puedes sacar al perro?Can you walk the dog, love?
f. baby
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
Cariño, ¿dónde está mi celular?Baby, where's my phone?
g. babe
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
Cariño, ¿me traes el desayuno a la cama?Babe, can you make me breakfast in bed?
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precioso(
preh
-
syoh
-
soh
)
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
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?
a. precious
No quiero un anillo con una piedra preciosa a menos que sea libre de conflicto.I don't want a ring with a precious stone unless it's conflict-free.
b. valuable
El roble es un recurso precioso para nuestro país.Oak is a valuable resource for our country.
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).
masculine or feminine noun
a. honey
A ver, precioso, enséñaselo a mamá.Let's see, honey, show mommy.
b. sweetheart
No te preocupes, preciosa. Todo saldrá bien, ya verás.Don't worry, sweetheart. Everything will be ok, you'll see.
c. gorgeous
¡Hola, precioso! ¡Cuánto tiempo sin verte!Hi, gorgeous! It's been ages!
d. beautiful
Ya me encargo yo. - ¡Gracias, preciosa!I'll take care of it. - Thanks, beautiful!
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