For a romantic partner:
* जान (jaan): This is the most common and literal translation, meaning "life" or "soul." It's very affectionate and implies a deep connection.
* प्यारे (pyaare): This means "dear" or "beloved" and is more formal than "jaan."
* प्रिय (priya): This is another formal word for "dear" or "beloved."
* प्यार (pyaar): This simply means "love," but it can be used as a term of endearment.
For friends or family:
* प्यारे (pyaare): This is still used for friends and family, but it can be a bit more formal.
* प्यारी (pyaari): This is the feminine form of "pyaare."
* प्रेमी (premi): This means "lover" but can be used for close friends and family.
* यारा (yaara): This means "friend" or "companion" and is more informal than "premi."
For children:
* जानू (janu): This is a common term of endearment for children. It's a shortened form of "jaan."
* बच्चू (bacchu): This means "child" and is a common way to address children affectionately.
Ultimately, the best way to say "darling" in Hindi is to consider the context and the relationship between the speakers.