Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| amore | /aˈmo.re/ | masculine |
| tesoro | /teˈzɔ.ro/ | masculine |
These terms are used as affectionate forms of address for someone who is very dear to you. While amore is a direct way to call someone 'my love', tesoro is a very common alternative used to mean 'darling' or 'sweetheart'. To express fondness or love informally, you might also hear the word cucciolo, which literally means 'puppy'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word amore literally means 'love'. The word tesoro literally means 'treasure'.
Which one should you use?
Amore is used to call someone 'my love', whereas tesoro is used as a common way to say 'darling' or 'sweetheart'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the South of Italy, particularly in Naples, it is common to address a loved one as principessa, which means 'princess'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of amore is amori, and the plural form of tesoro is tesori.
How do you pronounce it?
Amore is pronounced /aˈmo.re/ with three syllables and the stress on the second syllable.
When do people say it?
It is very common in Italian to add the possessive pronoun mio (my) after amore when addressing a partner, such as in the phrase amore mio.
Did you know?
- The word tesoro ultimately traces its roots back to the Ancient Greek word thēsaurós, which meant a 'storehouse'.
- Although amore is masculine, it is used as a term of endearment for both men and women without changing its ending.
- While English speakers often use 'darling' or 'honey' for many people, using amore with a stranger in Italy can sometimes be perceived as overly intense or even flirtatious.
Examples in context
- Tesoro, hai un aspetto divino.Darling, you look divine.This sentence shows how to use tesoro to compliment someone's appearance.Tatoeba #11810186 by Nuel, translation #11810185 by Nuel
- Non preoccuparti tesoro.Don't worry, darling.This sentence demonstrates using tesoro to offer comfort.Tatoeba #11627491 by Nuel, translation #11627489 by Nuel
- Grazie per essere qui, tesoro.Thank you for being here, darling.
- Buon compleanno, amore mio.Happy birthday, my love.
- Vieni qui, cucciolo!Come here, darling!
- Mi manchi, tesorina.I miss you, darling.
Example conversation
A couple is having a quiet breakfast at home.
- LorenzoBuongiorno, amore mio.Good morning, my darling.
- ChiaraBuongiorno, Lorenzo.Good morning, Lorenzo.
- LorenzoVuoi un po' di caffè?Do you want some coffee?
- ChiaraSì, grazie amore.Yes, thanks darling.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “darling” translations and entries amore, tesoro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amore, tesoro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
