There are many ways to say “I love you” in every language. While the feeling of love is universal, every culture and language has a unique way of expressing it.
How many other ways are there to express your love to someone? For starters, check out this video on how to say “I love you” in every top language.
Knowing how to say “I love you” and other phrases, such as “my love” in different languages and “I love you so much” in different languages can be rewarding, whether you’re looking to learn a new language or just find a new way to express your love. You’ll notice that every culture has its own nuances regarding how this phrase is used. Exploring the various ways that love is expressed will expand your mind and open your heart!
How to Say “I Love You” in Different Languages
Now, let’s look at more ways to say “I love you” and “love” in different languages, as well as some of the cultural traditions and celebrations of the most beautiful emotion there is – love!
How to Say “I Love You” in Spanish
In English, we use the same phrase, “I love you,” with our significant others, family, and friends. However, many other languages have variations of the phrase for different situations. For example, in Spanish you may need to learn another word for love, so you can properly address who you are talking to. Let’s explore the different ways to translate and spell “I love you” and “I love you more” in Spanish!
Spanish Love Phrases
Te quiero – “I love you” or “I care for you.” This phrase is mainly used among friends and family to express affection in non-romantic relationships.
Te amo – “I love you.” This is a more serious way to express your love. Use this phrase to express your love for a romantic interest or spouse.
Spanish Traditions
Culturally, love can be expressed through various rituals and customs. A newer tradition has taken hold in the Spanish city of Seville.
Here, lovers will say “te amo” and then symbolize their love by fastening a padlock to the railing of the Isabel II Bridge, and then throwing the keys into the Guadalquivir river below. Many cities around the world have followed suit, and the “love padlock” tradition is now a worldwide phenomenon.
Saint Jordi’s Day on April 23rd, the anniversary of the patron saint’s death, is the closest thing to Valentine’s Day in Spain. According to the legend of Saint George, Saint Jordi killed a dragon to save a princess, then plucked a red rose which sprouted from a rose bush on the spot where the dragon’s blood spilled.
It’s a tradition on Saint Jordi’s day for men to give their loved one a red rose, while women give their men a book.
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How to Say “I Love You” in French
It’s been said that French is the language of love. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that there are several different phrases for showing your love. These French phrases sound great when sprinkled in with any other language, so feel free to use them whenever you want to show some special affection!
French Love Phrases
Je t’aime – “I love you.” This is the strongest way to express your love to someone in French.
Je t’adore – “I adore you.” You can use “adore” as another word for love.
Je te desire – “I want you.” This phrase can be used to show your passion without being as strong as Je t’aime.
Coup de foudre – Although this translates literally to “a flash of lightning,” this is the French phrase for “love at first sight.”
The French often add terms of endearment to their love phrases, much like we might say “I love you, sweetheart.” For example in French, “Je t’adore ma cherie” means “I adore you, my darling.”
Just remember, the possessive adjective has to agree with the gender of the term of endearment.
French Traditions
Just like couples in Seville, the French have a padlock tradition of their own. Lovers flock to the Pont de l’Archevêché, leave a lock to symbolize their love, and throw the key into the Seine river below. This ritual signifies that the couples’ love will last forever.
While the holiday’s true origins are unknown, many people believe Valentine’s Day started in France. Every year on the weekend that falls closest to Valentine’s Day, couples travel to the village of St-Valentin. Some guests have a romantic weekend getaway while others renew their wedding vows.
More: Flirting in French: 25 Head-Turning Phrases You Need to Know
How to Say “I Love You” in German
Much like Spanish, the German language has different levels of saying “I love you” depending on the depth of feeling and the relationship with the person being addressed. Practice the phrases of how to say “I love you” in German and study the meaning so you can express yourself in the right way with your own translations!
German Love Phrases
Ich habe dich gerne – “I have love for you” or “I care for you.” This is a less serious declaration of adoration.
Ich liebe dich – “I love you.” This phrase is a more serious pronouncement of romantic love.
Du bist die Liebe meines Lebens – “You are the love of my life.” This is the strongest declaration of love in German.
The Germans are extremely efficient when it comes to love. Traditionally, men are expected to ask the women for a date and also pick up the tab. When a man arrives to pick up his date, he must bring flowers. If she lives with her mother, the man should bring flowers for the mother as well!
Finally, tardiness is unforgivable. If you’re running late for a date, you might as well not show up!
German Traditions
Valentine’s Day in Germany is a newer celebration (post World War II), and is generally considered an adult holiday. While you will find the normal gifts and keepsakes you’d find anywhere else, in Germany many of these items also include a pig, which is considered a symbol of luck!
More: Common German Phrases and Etiquette Tips for Dining Out
How do you say Say “I Love You” in Italian
Along with the French, Italians are known for their romantic expressions of love. In fact, whether it’s an operatic aria or simply whispering sweet nothings to your lover, many people think the phrase “I love you” is best voiced in Italian.
Italian Love Phrases
If you are wondering how to say “I love you” in Italian. There are over a hundred ways to say “I love you” in Italian! Italians have specific ways of saying the phrase to parents, friends, family members, and of course, a romantic interest.
Here are a few examples. Remember, the English translations are not always literal.
Ti adoro – “I adore you.”
Ti voglio bene – “I care for you” or “I want the best for you.”
Ti amo! – “I love you”
Ti voglio tanto bene – “I love you so much.”
Sei tutto per me – “You are everything to me.”
Senza di te non posso piu vivere – “I can’t live without you.”
Sei il grande amore della mia vita – “You are the love of my life.”
Italian Traditions
Italians have a romantic vision of love and finding “the one,” unlike many cultures where speed dating and matchmakers reign supreme. Men tend to be very complimentary and chivalrous, opening doors and paying for dates, even asking if it’s OK to kiss. Women respond by laughing at a man’s jokes or making clever comebacks when they’re interested. Flirting is an art in Italy and the many ways to say “I love you” prove it.
More: Useful Italian Phrases and Tips for Dating
How To Say “I Love You” in Arabic
The Arabic language has one common variation of “I love you” depending on the gender being addressed. These beautiful expressions have found their way into countless works of art and religious texts as another word for “love you”.
Arabic Love Phrases
Ana Uhibbuka – “I love you”
Habib Albi – “Love of my heart”
Enta Habibi – “You are my love”
Arabic Traditions
Arranged marriages (arranged by the parents with the children’s consent) are still common in some Arabic-speaking countries. In many Arabic-speaking countries, religion and culture strictly discourage dating prior to marriage.
Similar to other countries, there are several celebrations leading up to a couples’ wedding ceremony including an engagement celebration in the bride’s home, a party to celebrate signing the marriage contract, and Henna night where the bride-to-be and her female friends draw Henna tattoos and enjoy refreshments and dancing.
SEE ALSO: How to Say “Cheers” in Different Languages
How to Say “I Love You” in Mandarin
Mandarin Love Phrases
Wo duini ganxingqu– “I’m fond of you.”
Wo ai ni – “I love you.”
Wo ai nǐ shengguo yiqie – “I love you more than anything.”
Learn even more Mandarin love phrases here.
Chinese Traditions
According to a blog on dating from YoYo Chinese, Chinese men start thinking about marriage much earlier in the relationship than women do. Despite this intention of dating to marry, they may still take the relationship slowly, and a large number of Chinese couples live and work in different cities.
The Qixi Festival falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month and is a celebration based on the legend of Niu Lang and Zhi Nu.
According to Chinese legend, a supernatural fairy, Zhi Nu, travels to Earth to marry her love, Niu Lang, a kind-hearted farmhand. This upsets the God of Heaven and Zhi Nu is forced to return to Heaven.
Niu Lang travels to Heaven with his children (thanks to the help of celestial cows) in search of his love. The Queen Mother creates a river to separate Zhi Nu from his love.
Niu Lang and Zhi Nu were allowed to reunite only on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, hence the double seventh festival.
The Qixi Festival is celebrated with gifts for loved ones, romantic dinners, and special dates.
How to Say “I Love You” in Japanese
Japanese Love Phrases
Daisuki desu – “I really like you.” This can be used among friends or playfully between couples.
Aishiteru – “I love you.”
Watashi no isshoo no koibito – “You are the love of my life.”
Japanese Traditions
Arranged marriages are still common in Japan, in fact, approximately 10 percent of all marriages are arranged.
Yui-no is a dinner to celebrate a newly-engaged couple, where the bride and groom-to-be exchange gifts
Japanese weddings often take place in Shintô temples with Japanese architecture like stone dogs and water pavilions. Wedding celebrations have evolved in Japan, and in addition to Shinto traditions, some couples also incorporate Western traditions (like a white wedding dress) in their ceremony. Learn more about Japanese wedding traditions here.
How to Say “I Love You” in Korean
Korean Love Phrases
Sarang hae – “I love you.”
Jugeul mankeum sarang hae – “I love you to death.”
Dangshin-eul geu eotteon geot bodado deo saranghaeyo – “I love you more than anything.”
Learn more romantic Korean phrases here.
Korean Traditions
Along with the national holidays, in South Korea the 14th of each month is a fun, unofficial holiday. In Korea, women give men chocolate as a sign of affection on Valentine’s day. Generally, men will reciprocate this gift and give women chocolate on White Day (March 14th).
There is also Black Day on April 14th, where singles celebrate their lack of a serious relationship. Single friends come together to eat jajangmyeon (black noodles), and wish each other luck in finding that special someone in the coming year.
Now you know how to say “I love you” and other ways to say “I love you” in all different languages. You also learned about a few different cultures and how they each have their own unique ways of celebrating love, dating, and relationships.
Want to impress someone special, or search for your true love in a faraway land? Learning to speak another language and expressing your love in other languages is a great way to do so. TakeLessons Live makes it easy to connect with a world-class language teacher, right from the comfort of your home. This will help you master your conversational skills and learn to say “I love you” in every language.
Maile Proctor