vs 

QUICK ANSWER
"Mi amor" is a phrase which is often translated as "my love", and "cariño" is a noun which is often translated as "affection". Learn more about the difference between "mi amor" and "cariño" below.
mi amor(
mee
 
ah
-
mohr
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. my love
Hasta mañana, mi amor.See you tomorrow, my love.
b. love
Pero, mi amor, ¿por qué no te sientas un rato? Debes de estar agotada.But, love, why don't you sit for a while? You must be exhausted.
c. baby
Te quiero mucho, mi amor.I love you very much, baby.
d. honey
Si vas a la cocina, ¿puedes traerme una cerveza, mi amor?If you're going to the kitchen, can you bring me a beer, honey?
e. darling
¿Qué te pasa, mi amor? ¿Por qué lloras?What's the matter, darling? Why are you crying?
f. sweetheart
Dame un beso, mi amor. - Sí, abuela.Give me a kiss, sweetheart. - Yes, grandma.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.
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?
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.