Definition
Tasting like sugar; also used to describe something gentle, kind, or pleasant.
Example
El café con leche tiene un sabor dulce y suave.
Show translation
The coffee with milk has a sweet and smooth taste.
Etymology
From Latin *dulcis* ("sweet, pleasant"), related to Ancient Greek *glykýs* (γλυκύς) via the shared Indo-European root *dlk̑ú-. The same Latin root gave English "dulcet" (sweet-sounding) and the musical direction *dolce* in Italian.
Cultural note
In Spanish-speaking cultures, *dulce* extends far beyond taste. You might call a person *dulce* to mean they're gentle or warm-hearted, and a memory can be *dulce* if it brings soft nostalgia. Latin American countries are famous for regional *dulces típicos* — traditional sweets that vary dramatically by country: *dulce de leche* in Argentina and Uruguay, *cajeta* in Mexico, or *alfajores* across South America. Calling someone *mi dulce* ("my sweet") is a tender term of endearment.