amore
/aˈmo.re/
In Italian, amore means love.
amore refers to a strong feeling of love or affection toward another person. While amore describes the abstract feeling, you might use the phrase amore mio to mean "my love" when addressing a romantic partner or a loved one. Other common terms of endearment include tesoro (treasure), used in romantic relationships or between parents and children and cucciolo, which means "puppy" or "little one" and is a cute way to express love within families or close relationships.
Which one should you use?
The word amore refers to the abstract feeling of love, whereas amante refers to a lover (the person). Additionally, amorino is an affectionate term derived from amore used to express love in a playful and endearing way.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Southern Italy, particularly in Sicily and Calabria, the variation Amù is a popular informal way to say amore.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a noun meaning 'the love' in a sentence, it is preceded by the definite article l'amore.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables and the stress is on the second syllable: /aˈmo.re/.
Did you know?
- Italian culture uses amore much more broadly than English uses 'love'. It is common to address a complete stranger, such as a shopkeeper or a waiter, with terms of endearment like amore or tesoro in certain regions.
- In Italian opera and classical poetry, the word amore is frequently shortened to amor to fit the rhythm and meter of the music.
- While amore is a pure feeling, calling someone an amante can specifically imply that the person is a mistress or a partner in an extramarital affair.
Examples in context
- Il loro amore è molto profondo.Their love is very deep.
- Sento un grande amore per la mia famiglia.I feel a great love for my family.
- È un amore puro e sincero.It is a pure and sincere love.
Example conversation
Matteo and Giulia are discussing their relationship.
- MatteoGiulia, il nostro amore è speciale.Giulia, our love is special.
- GiuliaLo sento anche io, Matteo.I feel it too, Matteo.
- MatteoÈ un amore che dura per sempre.It is a love that lasts forever.
- GiuliaSì, non cambierà mai.Yes, it will never change.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry amore, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
