darling
word
/ˈdɑɹɫɪŋ/
DAR-ling
/dˈɑːlɪŋ/
DAH-ling
Definition
A kind or loving way to refer to someone you care about, often used for a romantic partner, a child, or sometimes affectionately for friends.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, mainly used in romantic or close relationships. Common in British English; less so in American English where similar terms are 'honey' or 'sweetie.' Can sound old-fashioned if used outside intimate settings or with strangers.
Spanish: cariño - querido/a - amorcitoPortuguese (BR): querido/a - amorzinho - bemPortuguese (PT): querido/a - amorzinho - queridoChinese (Simplified): 亲爱的 - 宝贝Chinese (Traditional): 親愛的 - 寶貝Hindi: जानू - प्रिय - प्यारेArabic: حبيبي - حبيبتي - عزيزيBengali: প্রিয় - আদরের জনRussian: дорогой - милая - любимыйJapanese: ダーリン - 恋人 - 愛しい人Vietnamese: em yêu - cưng - người yêuKorean: 여보 - 자기 - darling (연인 또는 사랑하는 사람을 부를 때)Turkish: sevgilim - canım - tatlımUrdu: جان - پیارا (محبت سے مخاطب کرتے وقت)Indonesian: sayang - kekasih - darling
Example Sentences
Goodnight, darling.
basic
Come here, darling, and give me a hug.
basic
She calls her son 'darling' all the time.
basic
Thank you for your help, darling. I really appreciate it.
natural
Oh, darling, don't worry about a thing. It'll all work out.
natural
He's always been the teacher's darling, getting special attention.
natural