Spanish word of the day: Ternura

What does ternura mean?

Ternura (feminine noun) – A feeling of deep, tender affection, often expressed through gentle care, kindness, or sweetness toward someone or something. It’s the warmth you feel when you see a baby smile, the softness in a caring touch, or the gentle way you speak to someone you love. In English, the closest word is “tenderness,” but ternura carries extra layers of sweetness, protection, and empathy.

Example sentences with ternura

• La madre acuna con ternura a su bebé.
  👶 The mother cradles her baby with tenderness.

• Lo miró con ternura y le sonrió.
  😊 She looked at him with tenderness and smiled.

• Los niños le producen mucha ternura.
  🧒 Children inspire a lot of tenderness in her.

Ternura in context

You’ll find ternura everywhere in Spanish-speaking cultures-in families, friendships, and even in the way people talk about pets or art. It’s not just about being kind; it’s about expressing affection in a way that makes the other person feel safe, valued, and cherished.

Ternura is often shown in small gestures: a hug, a gentle word, a patient smile, or a caring look. It’s the kind of love that doesn’t ask for anything in return-just the chance to make someone’s day a little brighter. In a world that can sometimes feel harsh, ternura is a reminder of the power of kindness and the beauty of vulnerability.

If you want to sound natural in Spanish, use ternura to describe those moments that touch your heart, or when you want to express your affection in a gentle, genuine way. It’s a word that invites us to be more compassionate, more patient, and more open to the world around us.