Tarjeta vocab: apelativos cariñosos (cari, cariño, cielo, gordi)

"Cari" is a shortened form of "cariño" and is often used between partners and within the family. In the colloquialism notes it appears as: "cari (abreviatura de cariño)".

In shops and markets, you’ll often hear "cielo", "corazón", "guapa", etc.; "gordi" is not normally used there. See the list of common forms of address in shops (cielo, corazón…) and the example: "¿Qué te pongo, corazón?"

"Gordi" is a typical affectionate nickname between partners; "Estimado…" sounds too formal and unnatural in everyday conversation. The note "gordi… a la pareja, sin connotación de peso" in the reference file confirms this use.

The correct answer is "cari", because it’s the shortened form of "cariño". This is noted in the colloquialisms material.

Classic affectionate forms of address include "cariño", "cielo", "mi vida", etc. "Gordi" is more typical between partners. The list of common nicknames includes cariño, cielo, gordi…

"Gordi" is usually an intimate nickname used with a partner; with strangers it can sound odd. The reference notes indicate that "gordi" is used affectionately with a partner, while "cielo/corazón" can sound polite in service contexts and shops.

Literally, "cielo" means "sky/heaven", but in conversation it’s used as a term of endearment ("cariño, cielo…"). It appears among the classic affectionate nicknames.

The most neutral and universal option is "cariño". "Gordi" is more playful and intimate; "cielo" is also affectionate, but "cariño" is often perceived as the default basic term of endearment. The list of classic nicknames includes both "cariño" and "cielo".