From 'Cariño' to 'Media Naranja' – the sweetest Spanish nicknames for your favourite people
Alex C-J•
Spanish is a language that practically hums with affection. The right nickname can turn a simple greeting into a warm embrace, a casual chat into a whispered secret. Whether you're addressing your soulmate or your childhood best friend, these terms of endearment are like linguistic sunbeams – impossible to resist.
Romantic Nicknames (For Partners)
Cariño
/kaˈɾiɲo/
“Darling”
The Swiss Army knife of Spanish affection – works for new flames and lifelong partners alike. It’s the equivalent of calling someone ‘my dear’, but with more Mediterranean warmth.
Media naranja
/ˌmedja naˈɾanxa/
“Literally 'half an orange'”
A poetic way to say ‘my better half’. The imagery suggests two halves making a perfect whole – though admittedly it sounds slightly less romantic when you picture yourself as a citrus fruit.
Mi vida
/mi ˈβiða/
“My life”
Dramatic? Perhaps. Effective? Undoubtedly. When someone calls you their entire existence, it’s difficult not to feel special. Use sparingly unless you want to set the bar impossibly high.
Playful Nicknames (For Friends & Family)
Tronco
/ˈtɾonko/
“Literally 'tree trunk'”
The Spanish equivalent of ‘mate’ or ‘buddy’, with a distinctly arboreal twist. Perfect for that friend who’s as reliable as an oak tree – or as dense as one, depending on the day.
Majo/a
/ˈmaxo/
“Nice/cool (person)”
A Madrid staple for someone genuinely likeable. It’s what you call your friend when they’ve just bought the first round of tapas without being asked.
Churri
/ˈt͡ʃuri/
“Sweetie (Andalusian slang)”
Derived from ‘churro’ (the delicious fried dough), this is Southern Spain’s way of saying someone is sweeter than sugar-dusted pastry. Also works for partners in a casual context.
Nicknames For Children
Cielo
/ˈθjelo/
“Sky/heaven”
What you call a child when they’re being angelic (or when you’re desperately hoping they’ll start acting like one). The parental tone can range from doting to pleading.
Peque
/ˈpeke/
“Short for 'pequeño/a' (little one)”
The go-to for tiny humans who haven’t yet mastered walking without crashing into furniture. Also used ironically for fully grown friends who still act like toddlers.
Regional variations matter! In Argentina, ‘gordo/a’ (literally ‘fatty’) is a common term of endearment, while in Mexico ‘güey’ (dude) reigns supreme among friends. Context is everything.
Bonus: Nicknames That Defy Translation
Enano/a
/eˈnano/
“Literally 'dwarf'”
What you call your significantly shorter friend without starting a fight. The Spanish have mastered the art of insulting nicknames that somehow sound affectionate.
Sol
/ˈsol/
“Sun”
For when someone brightens your day so consistently they might as well be a celestial body. Warning: may induce eye-rolling if overused.
The beauty of Spanish nicknames lies in their flexibility. That gruff grandfather calling his wife ‘vieja’ (old lady) with a twinkle in his eye, the teenage friends shouting ‘tío’ (uncle) across a crowded plaza – these aren’t just words, they’re cultural fingerprints. For more ways to connect, see our guide to fun Spanish phrases for friendships.
Pro tip: The right nickname depends entirely on delivery. Say ‘mi amor’ with the wrong intonation and it sounds sarcastic; mutter ‘cabrón’ (technically an insult) with the right grin and it’s practically a love letter.
