Love is a fickle thing, but a rewarding one. Wars are fought over it. Friendships are mended by it. Need we torture you with more armchair philosophy?
You’re not here to explore the depths of feeling. You simply want to know how to express that feeling in the simplest way possible with a phrase that extends beyond language barriers: “I love you.”
It’s a simple phrase, as widely known by non-English speakers as “hello” and “goodbye.” But for your purposes, having the ability to state your love in another’s language can no doubt deepen connections, show respect, and open the conversation to something more.
So whether you’re saying it to a dear relative or a new acquaintance, here’s the complete list on how to say “I love you” in 25 languages.
It just so happens that we offer all 25 languages on Rosetta Stone, too. So when you’re ready for lessons and instant pronunciation feedback that prepare you for actual, real-world conversations—check us out.
Quick List: How to say I love you in 25 languages
The phrases below are romantic declarations of love to say with your newest flame or your longtime other half. Phrases followed by an asterisk* are dependent on the gender of the speaker.
Jump to each section for more phrases to use, including how to say “I love you” to family and friends!
- Arabic: Uhibbuk (أحبك)*
- Chinese (Mandarin): Wǒ xǐhuan nǐ (我喜欢你)
- Dutch: Ik hou van je
- English (American): I love you to the moon and back
- English (British): You are the apple of my eye
- Farsi (Persian): Doostet daram (دوستت دارم)
- French: Je t’aime
- German: Ich liebe dich
- Greek: Se agapó (Σε αγαπώ)
- Hebrew: Ani ohev otach (אני אהב אתך)*
- Hindi: Main tum se pyaar karta hoon (मैं तुमसे प्यार करता हूँ।)*
- Irish: Tá mé i ngrá leat
- Italian: Ti amo
- Japanese: Daisuki (大好き)
- Korean: Saranghaeyo (사랑해요)
- Latin: Te amo
- Polish: Kocham cię
- Portuguese (Brazil): Eu te amo
- Russian: Ya lyublyu tebya (Я Tебя люблю)
- Spanish (Latin America): Te quiero
- Spanish (Spain): Te amo
- Swedish: Jag älskar dig
- Tagalog (Filipino): Mahal kita
- Turkish: Seni seviyorum
- Vietnamese: Anh yêu em*
1. Arabic: Uhibbuk (أحبك)
Arabic speakers aren’t shy about expressing love to one another. It’s not uncommon for an Arabic speaker to use over-the-top expressions of love with people they’ve just met!
Because Arabic is spoken in 25 countries, phrases for “I love you” can differ across borders. You’ll also find that some phrases differ slightly depending on who the speaker is and who the phrase is being spoken to.
Here are several ways to say “I love you” in Arabic:
| Dialect | Arabic | Context |
| Modern Standard Arabic | uhibbuk (أحبك) | All relationships; addressing a man |
| Modern Standard Arabic | uhibbuki (أحبكِ) | All relationships; addressing a woman |
| Egyptian Arabic | ana baHibbak (ٲنَا بحِبَّك) | All relationships; addressing a man |
| Egyptian Arabic | (ٲنَا بَحِبِّك) ana baHibbik | All relationships; addressing a woman |
| Moroccan Arabic | kanbghik (كنبغيك) | All relationships; addressing anyone |
2. Chinese (Mandarin): Wǒ xǐhuan nǐ (我喜欢你)
Some cultures aren’t as comfortable in verbally expressing love as others. Mandarin Chinese speakers fall into the “let’s talk around it” category. The direct translation of “I love you” in Mandarin is wǒ ài nǐ (我爱你), which is rarely used. Instead, you’re more likely to hear wǒ xǐhuan nǐ (我喜欢你), which means “I like you.”
It’s worth noting that Mandarin is a tonal language, so hitting the right pitch when pronouncing a phrase is incredibly important to conveying meaning. Before saying “I love you” in Mandarin, be sure to practice your delivery.
Here are several ways to say “I love you” in Mandarin:
| Mandarin | English |
| wǒ ài nǐ (我爱你) | I love you (note: rarely used) |
| wǒ xǐhuan nǐ (我喜欢你) | I love you (literally: I like you) |
| wǒ yě xǐhuan nǐ (我也喜欢你) | I love you too (literally: I like you too) |
3. Dutch: Ik hou van je
Dutch is primarily spoken in the Netherlands, a small country that spends much of the year blanketed in snow and rain. In spring and summer, it blooms with wildflowers; it’s also known for its waterways that wind through cities and countrysides.
It’s a romantic locale, and there are several ways to express the love it inspires:
| Dutch | English |
| Ik hou van je | I love you |
| Ik ben verliefd op jou | I’m in love with you |
| Ike ben gek op jou | I’m crazy about you |
4. English (American): I love you to the moon and back
American English likes to keep things casual when expressing love—whether it’s to flames, family members, or best friends. If you have a flair for drama though, there are options, too. Love and sacrifice go hand in hand in all languages, but the phrase “I would die for you” in American English is especially theatrical.
- I love you to the moon and back.
- I’m lucky to know you.
- I love you, bro.
- I’m so happy you’re alive.
- She’s love-struck.
- I would literally die for you.
5. English (British): You are the apple of my eye
Across the pond, speakers of British English appear to be more reserved in expressing their feelings. It’s a longstanding trope that rings less true in the current decade, but does indeed produce some charmingly British phrases.
- You are the apple of my eye.
- I really fancy you.
- You’re my cup of tea.
- I’m quite fond of you.
- He’s smitten.
- You’re quite the crackerjack.
6. Farsi (Persian): Doostet daram (دوستت دارم)
Farsi or Persian is the official language of Iran and is spoken by communities in Afghanistan, Bahrain, Iraq, Oman, Yemen, and the United Arab Emirates. It’s a language rife with colorful idioms—its approach to expressing love is no different.
Here are several ways to say “I love you” in Farsi:
| Arabic | English |
| Doostet daram (دوستت دارم) | I love you |
| Asheghetam (عاشقتم) | I’m in love with you |
| Jigar tala (جیگر طلا) | Golden liver (use this when addressing someone you can’t live without) |
| Fadat besham (فدات بشم) | I am willing to sacrifice myself for you |
| Eshghe mani (عشق منی) | You are my love |
7. French: Je t’aime
It’s no coincidence that French is often called the language of love. For centuries, French paintings have pushed the boundaries of contemporary sensibilities in their risque and often physical depictions of love. French films have carried that thread to the current decade. Paris remains a cliche but sweet spot for honeymoons.
If you’ve fallen in love with Paris, Bordeaux, and every perfectly French person in between, here are several ways to express your love in French:
| French | English | Context |
| Je t’aime | I love you | Romantic |
| Je t’adore | I love/adore you | Platonic |
| Je suis amoureux/amoureuse de toi | I love you | Romantic, formal |
| Je t’aime de tout mon coeur | I love you with all my heart | Romantic or platonic |
>>New to French? Here’s a list of 100+ phrases to use in every conversation.
8. German: Ich liebe dich
There’s a lot to love in Germany—the schnitzel, the bike-friendly cities, the views of Neuschwanstein Castle—but Germans don’t tend to use the word “love” casually. If you’re expressing love for something, it’s serious business.
Here are several ways to say “I love you” in German:
| German | English |
| Ich liebe dich | I love you |
| Ich habe mich in dich verliebt | I have fallen in love with you |
| Ich hab’ dich lieb | I like you lots |
>>Start the conversation with this super handy German phrasebook.
9. Greek: Se agapó (Σε αγαπώ)
Pop culture of the nineties gifted us many things best left buried, but we’re here to make the argument that My Big Fat Greek Wedding not only holds up to the sands of time—it’s also a great way to brush up on your Greek. Especially when it comes to saying “I love you.”
Here are several ways you can express your love to the Greek loves of your life:
| Greek | English |
| Se agapó (Σε αγαπώ) | I love you |
| Eímai erotevménos mazí sou (είμαι ερωτευμένος μαζί σου) | I am in love with you |
| Echete tin kardiá mou (Εχετε την καρδιά μου) | You have my heart |
10. Hebrew: Ani ohev otach (אני אהב אתך)
The Hebrew language is spoken by nine million people worldwide. It may sound small in comparison to languages like Mandarin (more than 1 billion speakers) or Spanish (more than 500 million speakers), but for 2,000 years, Hebrew was hardly spoken. Once a dead language, Hebrew was resurrected in the 19th and 20th centuries and is now spoken around the globe.
Here are several ways to say “I love you” in Hebrew:
| Hebrew | English | Context |
| ani ohev otach (אני אוהב אותך) | I love you | Man to woman |
| ani ohevet otcha (אני אהבת אתכה) | I love you | Woman to man |
| ani ohev otcha (אני אהב אתכה) | I love you | Man to man |
| ani ohevet otach (אני אהבת אתך) | I love you | Woman to woman |
11. Hindi: Main tum se pyaar karta hoon (मैं तुमसे प्यार करता हूँ।)
Hindi is primarily spoken in India, where family and community are a focal point. Cities in India, like Delhi and Mumbai, are also incredibly dense, and it helps to know and love your neighbors when you’re living in such close quarters (apartment dwellers worldwide can no doubt relate to this one).
Here are several ways to express your love in Hindi:
| Hindi | Context |
| Main tum se pyaar karta hoon. (मैं तुमसे प्यार करता हूँ।) | Romantic |
| Main tujhe pyaar karti hoon. (मैं तुझे प्यार करती हूँ।) | Romantic and typically used for very close relationships |
| Main aap se prem karti hoon. (मैं आप से प्यार करती हूँ।) | Romantic or platonic and typically used when formality is needed |
12. Irish (Gaelic): Tá mé i ngrá leat
You’ve heard the phrase “luck of the Irish,” but what about “love of the Irish”? There’s a lot to love about Ireland, from its picturesque cliffs to its charming stone-laden towns. If an Irish lad or lady is whisking you off your feet with a running-through-airport kind of love, we’re here to support you.
Here’s three ways to tell them you love them right back in Gaelic:
| Irish (Gaelic) | English | Context |
| Tá mé i ngrá leat | I am in love with you | Romantic |
| Mo grá thú | I love you (literally: My love you) | Romantic |
| Iss even lum too | You delight me | Platonic |
| Tá mo chroí istigh ionat | You are dear to my heart (literally: my heart is in you) | Romantic or platonic |
13. Italian: Ti amo
What’s more romantic than a night at the opera? From opera and frescos to gelato and espresso, Italy is unfailingly charming and romantic. It’s hard not to fall in love with the warmth of small town residents and the musicality of the Italian language itself.
Here are several ways to say “I love you” in Italian:
| Italian | English | Context |
| Ti amo | I love you | Romantic |
| Ti voglio bene | I want good for you | Platonic |
| Sono innamorato/a di te | I am in love with you | Romantic, formal |
| Ti adoro | I adore you | Romantic, platonic, informal |
14. Japanese: Sukidayo (好きだよ)
Some cultures are squeamish about love, and that’s okay—anyone between the ages of 11-13 understands how much easier it is to say the word “like” than “love” when declaring romantic interest for the first time. In Japanese, speakers commonly use sukidayo (好きだよ) or “I like you” to express romantic feelings rather than the literal translation of “I love you,” ai shiteru (愛してる). You’ll hear the latter in songs and TV where drama is welcome, but rarely in real life.
Here are several ways to say “I love you” in Japanese:
| Japanese | English | Context |
| sukidayo (好きだよ) | I love you (literally: I like you) | Romantic |
| ai shiteru (愛してる | I love you | Romantic, quite dramatic |
| daisuki (大好き) | I love you | Platonic |
| daisuki dayo (だいすきだよ) | I adore you | Romantic |
15. Korean: Saranghaeyo (사랑해요)
If you’re a fan of Korean dramas, you’ve heard many a character profess, stress, and lament about love. Saranghaeyo (사랑해요) is the formal way to say “I love you.” The phrase saranghae (사랑해) is informal and more commonly used in K-dramas, music, and more.
Here are several ways to say “I love you” in Korean:
| Korean | English | Context |
| saranghaeyo (사랑해요) | I love you | Romantic, formal |
| saranghae (사랑해) | I love you | Romantic, informal |
| dangsin eopsin mot sara (당신 없인 못 살아) | I can’t live without you | Romantic, quite dramatic |
16. Latin: Te amo
Why does this Latin phrase look so similar to “I love you” in Portuguese, French, Italian, and Spanish? It runs in the family. All four of those languages are Romance languages derived from Latin. Latin isn’t typically spoken outside of Vatican City and Catholic church settings, but it can help you unlock the secret to languages spoken across the globe.
In this phrase, te is “you” and amo is “love”—shorthand for “I love you.”
17. Polish: Kocham cię
Polish is spoken by over 50 million people, most of whom live in Europe—surprisingly, it’s the second most spoken language in England and Wales!
Here are several ways to say “I love you” in Polish:
| Polish | English |
| Bardzo mi się podobasz | I really like you |
| Kocham cię | I love you |
| Tak bardzo Cię kocham | I love you so much |
18. Portuguese (Brazil): Eu te amo
Portuguese is the official language of Portugal and Brazil, but you’ll notice that native speakers from each country sound slightly different. When it comes to saying “I love you,” speakers from Portugal might say amo-te, since pronouns are ordered differently.
Rosetta Stone offers Brazilian Portuguese, and while in Brazil, you’re more likely to hear eu te amo. The eu is optional, and many speakers will simply say te amo!
Here are several ways to say “I love you” in Brazilian Portuguese:
| Portuguese | English |
| Eu te amo | I love you |
| Te amo muito | I love you a lot |
| Estou apaixonado por você | I’m in love with you (man speaking) |
| Estou apaixonada por você | I’m in love with you (woman speaking) |
>>Check out our Everyday Conversations Video Series to boost your Brazilian Portuguese!
19. Russian: Ya lyublyu tebya (Я Tебя люблю)
Like German, Russian has an intensity to it. While it may not sound like the warmest language, love no doubt abounds between its speakers—Leo Tolstoy and Vladimir Nabokov can tell you a thing or two about the joy and grief of it.
Here’s how to say “I love you” in Russian:
| Russian | English |
| ya lyublyu tebya (Я Tебя люблю) | I love you |
| ty mnye nravishsya (Ты мне нравишься) | I like you (literally: you please me) |
| ya nye magoo byez tyebya zhyt (Я не могу без тебя жить) | I can’t live without you |
20. Spanish (Latin America): Te quiero
In Latin America, you’ll hear te quiero often. It’s used to express love between friends, family, and partners—within relationships both new and old.
Here are several ways to say “I love you” in Latin American Spanish:
| Spanish | English | Context |
| Te quiero | I love you | Romantic or platonic |
| Me traes de un ala | I’m hung up on how much I love you (literally: you bring me from one wing) | Romantic, formal, poetic |
| Eres mi mundo | You are my world | Romantic |
| Eres mi alma gemela | You are my soulmate | Romantic or platonic |
| No puedo imaginar mi vida sin ti | I can’t imagine my life without you | Romantic or platonic |
>>New to Spanish? Conquer every conversation with this incredible guide.
21. Spanish (Spain): Te amo
Castilian Spanish is spoken throughout Spain and sounds slightly different from the Spanish you’ll hear across Latin America. The language for love is pretty universal, however. Te quiero is the primary phrase for love in Spain. Te amo is reserved for an especially intense kind of love—use it sparingly, as it might feel out of place in most situations.
Here are several ways to say “I love you” in Castilian Spanish:
| Spanish | English |
| Te amo | I love you |
| Estoy enamorado de ti | I’m in love with you (man speaking) |
| Estoy enamorada de ti | I’m in love with you (woman speaking) |
| Eres el amor de mi vida | You are the love of my life |
>>Traveling? These 102 Spanish phrases will help you see it all.
22. Swedish: Jag älskar dig
The Swedish principle lagom is all about balance. The message is simple: enjoy what you have in this moment. It’s a middle-of-the-road approach that avoids excess and limitation.
When you want to strike the right balance in love, you can take the middle of the road approach by confessing how much you like a person—or lean right into love. It’s your choice.
Here are several phrases you can use to say “I love you” in Swedish:
| Swedish | English | Context |
| Jag gillar dig | I like you | Platonic |
| Jag tycker om dig | I like you | Romantic |
| Jag älskar dig | I love you | Romantic and platonic |
| Jag älskar dig så mycket | I love you so much | Romantic and platonic |
23. Tagalog (Filipino): Mahal kita
In Tagalog, mahal can be used as a noun to mean “love” or as an adjective that means “expensive.” When you want to communicate how precious people are in your life, you can say mahal kita for “I love you.”
Here are several ways to say “I love you” in Tagalog:
| Tagalog (Filipino) | English |
| Mahal kita | I love you |
| Mahal na mahal kita | I love you very much |
| Mahal kita talaga | I really love you |
24. Turkish: Seni seviyorum
Turkey is known for its winding bazaars and impressive architecture, both in their underground cisterns and above ground mosques. If love is in the air for you, here are several ways to say “I love you” in Turkish:
| Turkish | English |
| Seni seviyorum | I love you |
| Sana aşığım | I’m in love with you |
| Seni sonsuza kadar seveceğim | I’ll love you forever |
25. Vietnamese: Anh yêu em
In Vietnamese, the order of the words in the phrase for “I love you” changes depending on the gender of the speaker. It’s also helpful to know family vocabulary (father, mother, grandmother, etc) in case you want to express your feelings to them directly!
Here are several ways to say “I love you” in Vietnamese:
| Vietnamese | English | Context |
| Anh yêu em | I love you | Romantic, man speaking |
| Em yêu anh | I love you | Romantic, woman speaking |
| Con yêu me | I love you, mom | Platonic (to family) |
| Tao yêu may | I love you | Platonic (to a friend) |
Express your love in 25 languages
Now that you know how to say “I love you” in every language on Rosetta Stone, might we suggest taking this conversation to the next level?
On Rosetta Stone, you’ll learn all the grammar, vocabulary, and cultural notes to help you feel confident in every conversation. And unlike with other platforms, you’ll learn language naturally through Dynamic Immersion, which pairs fun images and audio from native speakers.
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