If you don’t know how to say “I love you” in Spanish, you’re in the right place! It doesn’t have to be Valentine’s Day to say I love you to your significant other. Expressing your love is something that happens on a daily basis. But what if you’re learning a new language?
Don’t Say It Wrong
Telling your loved ones you love them in Spanish isn’t too hard. But you have to be careful! You must make sure you’re using the right term.
In English, it is easier. We use “I love you” no matter if we’re talking to family members, friends, or significant others. In Spanish, however, there are different phrases you can use depending on the circumstances.
Why is it important which one you use? The answer is easy. You don’t want to come up as too strong. Both phrases express a different aspect of the love spectrum. You don’t want to use the wrong one!
Te Quiero vs Te Amo
The most popular phrases to say I love you in Spanish are: Te Quiero and Te Amo.
Both of these phrases mean I love you, but they hold different meanings depending on which part of the love spectrum they are.
Te Quiero
Te Quiero comes from the verb querer, which means to want. Te Quiero in English literally means “I want you”.
You can use this term for your significant other, but more often than not, it holds a less romantic nature. Most people use Te Quiero for family, close friends, cousins, etc.
When to use Te Quiero?
Use this phrase when addressing:
- Friends
- Family members
- Recent relationships
- Extended family
Te Amo
Te Amo comes from the verb amar, which means to love. Te Amo in English translates to I love you.
This term is more affectionate and romantic. It is usually reserved for romantic relationships and immediate family members.
When to use Te Amo?
Use this phrase when addressing:
- Spouse
- Long-term relationship
- Immediate family
Other Meaning to Amar and Querer
Querer expresses your wants and desires. For example:
- Quiero viajar. (I want to travel.)
- Andrea quiere un pastel. (Andrea wants a cake.)
- John quiere adoptar un gato. (John wants to adopt a cat.)
Amar can also be used to talk about things that you love. In some Latin American countries, they use amar to express they like something very strongly. For example:
- Ella ama hacer yoga. (She loves doing yoga.)
- Amo este libro. (I love this book.)
- Carmen ama caminar por el parque. (Carmen loves walking in the park.)
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Start Saying “I Love You” in Spanish!
As you see, expressing your love in Spanish isn’t hard at all! As long as you know the difference between Te Quiero and Te Amo in Spanish, everything should be fine.
Are you ready to start learning Spanish? We have the perfect tutor for you! Get in contact with us, and our expert staff will get in touch within 24-hours.
