Want to say “my love” in Italian? The most literal translation is amore mio—but that’s just the beginning. Italians have many beautiful terms of endearment to express affection, each with its unique flavor.
The basis of most of these terms is amore (love), one of the most beautiful Italian words. Other expressions convey affection through creative associations. Knowing them all is worth it, whether you want to greet your partners by whispering “Good morning, my love” in Italian or writing a love note. These phrases will help you speak straight to the heart.
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1. Amore mio (my love)
The most direct way to say “my love” in Italian is amore mio, which literally translates to “love of mine.”
This sweet expression comes from the Latin amor (the feeling of being in love). In Italian, like in English, amore (love) has also come to refer to the person you love, not just the feeling itself.
- Buongiorno, amore mio. = Good morning, my love.
- Amore mio, sei bellissimo/a. = My love, you are beautiful.
You can also say il mio amore when referring to someone in the third person.
- Il mio amore arriverà domani. = My love will arrive tomorrow.
Common variations of “my love” in Italian are:
- amore mio caro = my dear love
- amore mio dolce = my sweet love
- amore mio bellissimo = my beautiful love
- amoruccio mio = my little love (extra sweet!)
Note: The phrase amore mio is very popular and appears in countless Italian love songs, including classics like Amor Mio by Mina and Amore caro, Amore Bello by Bruno Lauzi.
2. Amore/amò (love)
Amore (love) as a standalone word is a sweet nickname for a romantic partner, close family member, or child.
- Hai fame, amore? = Are you hungry, my love?
- Amore, chiama quando arrivi. = Darling, call when you arrive.
The shortened version amo/amò has found its way into Italian slang, becoming popular among female friends.
3. Tesoro mio (my darling)
Tesoro (treasure) exemplifies how Italian words can carry many meanings. It is a go-to term for endearment in Italian, and it expresses the value of a person to cherish like a treasure.
- Come stai, tesoro? = How are you, sweetheart?
- Sei il mio tesoro. = You are my treasure.
- Carlo è proprio un tesoro. = Carlo is such a darling.
Common variations are tesoruccio/tesorino mio (little treasure).
4. Vita mia (my life)
Straight out of an old romantic movie, vita mia means “my life.” It has the connotation of Sei tutto per me. (You are everything to me.)
- Sei la vita mia. = You are my life.
- Ti amo, vita mia. = I love you, my life.
5. Cuore mio (my heart)
Kinda similar to vita mia; another passionate way to say “my love” in Italian is cuore mio (my heart).
- Buon anniversario, cuore mio. = Happy anniversary, my heart.
6. Amore della mia vita (love of my life)
When saying “I love you” in Italian isn’t enough, say amore della mia vita. It’s the literal translation of “love of my life” in Italian. What a romantic way to express lifelong devotion!
- Sei l’amore della mia vita. = You are the love of my life.
- Ho sposato l’amore della mia vita. = I have married the love of my life.
7. Caro mio/cara mia (my dear/darling)
Caro/cara (m/f) is an everyday endearment. The expression is flexible and also suitable for non-romantic relationships, messages, and letters.
- Cara, quanto tempo! = Darling, it’s been so long!
- Caro Marco, ti scrivo per… = Dear Marco, I’m writing to you about…
Common and adorable Italian nicknames for your partner
If you want to go beyond “my love” in Italian, these playful expressions go straight into the cuore (heart) of Italian cuteness.
| Italian Nicknames | English Translation |
| anima gemella | soulmate |
| cucciolo/a or cucciolotto/a | puppy |
| dolcezza | sweety |
| luce dei miei occhi | light of my eyes |
| orsacchiotto/a | teddy bear |
| patatino/a | little potato |
| piccolo mio/piccola mia | my little one |
| polpettina | little meatball |
| pulce | flea |
| pulcino/a | hatchling |
| stellina | little star |
| tato/a or tatino/a | untranslatable (from kids language) |
| topolino/a | little mouse |
| trottolino/a | spinning top |
| uomo/donna dei miei sogni | man/woman of my dreams |
These playful expressions show the importance of exploring nuanced expressions, including local and informal phrases only native Italian speakers use. And that’s precisely how Rosetta Stone works. The Dynamic Immersion method goes beyond vocabulary lists and memorizing grammar. You’ll build your Italian skills in real-life contexts—so once you know how to say “my love” in Italian, you’ll say it like you mean it.
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