Love is a universal language, but these three little words can be beautifully unique across many cultures.
Saying “I love you” in another language adds an extra touch of romance, mystery, and charm to any special moment.
Imagine looking into someone’s eyes and professing your love in a way they’ve never heard before.
Ready to impress your special someone?
Here are 20 ways to say “I love you” from around the world, along with how to pronounce them.
1. French
In French, “I love you” is “Je t’aime” (pronounced: zheh-tem).
French is often called the language of love, and Je t’aime carries a soft, romantic elegance. Whether whispered over a candlelit dinner or written in a love letter, it always sounds effortlessly romantic.
2. Spanish
In Spanish, “I love you” is “Te amo” (pronounced: teh AH-moh).
Passionate and deeply emotional, Te amo is perfect for expressing heartfelt love. If you want a more casual way to say it, you can say Te quiero, which means “I care for you” and is often used among couples.
3. Italian
In Italian, “I love you” is “Ti amo” (pronounced: tee AH-moh).
Melodic and full of passion, Ti amo feels like a love song. Say it while sharing a plate of spaghetti for the ultimate romantic Italian moment.
4. German
In German, “I love you” is “Ich liebe dich” (pronounced: ikh LEE-beh deekh).
Strong and sincere, Ich liebe dich is a declaration of deep affection. If you’re in the early stages of love, you might say Ich hab’ dich lieb for a softer approach.
5. Mandarin Chinese
In Mandarin Chinese, “I love you” is “Wǒ ài nǐ” (pronounced: woh-eye nee).
While Wǒ ài nǐ is the literal translation, it’s not used as frequently in daily life as in some other languages. Instead, actions and gestures often express love in Chinese culture.
6. Japanese
In Japanese, “I love you” is “Aishiteru” (pronounced: eye-shee-teh-roo).
Saying Aishiteru is rare and very serious in Japanese culture. A softer way to express love is Suki da yo (I really like you), which is more commonly used between couples.
7. Korean
In Korean, “I love you” is “Saranghae” (pronounced: sah-rahng-hey).
Playful yet heartfelt, Saranghae is the go-to romantic phrase, often seen in K-dramas. For a more formal version, you can say Saranghamnida.
8. Portuguese (Brazilian)
In Brazilian Portuguese, “I love you” is “Eu te amo” (pronounced: eh-ooh cheh AH-moh).
Brazilians are known for their warmth and passion, making Eu te amo feel extra heartfelt. It’s perfect for whispering over a samba dance or a sunset beach walk.
9. Russian
In Russian, “I love you” is “Ya tebya lyublyu” (pronounced: yah tee-BYAH lyoo-BLYOO).
Romantic and poetic, Ya tebya lyublyu is best said with deep eye contact. If you want a softer, affectionate phrase, you can say Ya tebya obozhayu, which means “I adore you.”
10. Hindi
In Hindi, “I love you” is “Main tumse pyar karta hoon” (pronounced: meyn toom-seh pyar kar-ta hoon) if spoken by a man, and “Main tumse pyar karti hoon” if spoken by a woman.
Hindi is a deeply poetic language, and this phrase is perfect for declaring love in a Bollywood-worthy moment.
11. Arabic
In Arabic, “I love you” is “Ana uhibbuka” (pronounced: ah-na oo-hib-boo-kah) when speaking to a male, and “Ana uhibbuki” (pronounced: ah-na oo-hib-boo-kee) when speaking to a female.
Arabic is rich in romantic expressions, and this phrase carries deep emotion. You can also say Habibi (for a man) or Habibti (for a woman) to mean “my love” or “my darling.”
12. Greek
In Greek, “I love you” is “S’agapo” (pronounced: sah-ghah-POH).
Smooth and heartfelt, S’agapo is simple yet deeply meaningful. Want to make it extra romantic? Write it in the sand on a Greek island beach!
13. Swedish
In Swedish, “I love you” is “Jag älskar dig” (pronounced: yahg el-skar day).
Sweet and sincere, Jag älskar dig is perfect for a cozy, heartfelt confession—perhaps while cuddled up in a warm cabin.
14. Dutch
In Dutch, “I love you” is “Ik hou van jou” (pronounced: ik how vahn yow).
Simple and genuine, Ik hou van jou is a direct yet affectionate way to express love in Dutch.
15. Turkish
In Turkish, “I love you” is “Seni seviyorum” (pronounced: seh-nee seh-vee-yor-oom).
Melodic and expressive, Seni seviyorum sounds especially romantic when whispered over a cup of Turkish tea.
16. Thai
In Thai, “I love you” is “Phom rak khun” (pronounced: pohm rahk koon) when spoken by a man and “Chan rak khun” (pronounced: chan rahk koon) when spoken by a woman.
Thai culture places emphasis on kindness and affection, making this phrase a heartfelt way to express love.
17. Polish
In Polish, “I love you” is “Kocham cię” (pronounced: ko-kham cheh).
Polish is a language full of warmth, and Kocham cię is best said with a loving smile.
18. Hebrew
In Hebrew, “I love you” is “Ani ohev otach” (pronounced: ah-nee oh-hev oh-takh) when spoken by a man and “Ani ohevet otcha” (pronounced: ah-nee oh-hev-et ot-kha) when spoken by a woman.
Hebrew is deeply poetic, making this phrase feel ancient and beautiful—perfect for a heartfelt confession.
19. Malay/Indonesian
In Malay/Indonesian, “I love you” is “Saya cinta kamu” (pronounced: sah-yah cheen-tah kah-moo).
Simple yet meaningful, Saya cinta kamu can be made even sweeter with a warm embrace.
20. Finnish
In Finnish, “I love you” is “Minä rakastan sinua” (pronounced: mee-nah rah-kas-tan see-noo-ah).
Finnish people may not express emotions openly, but when they do, Minä rakastan sinua carries a deep and profound meaning.
Whether you keep it classic or get creative with a foreign phrase, love knows no boundaries and the essence of “I love you” remains the same, and nothing says romance like a love that speaks every language. ❤️