恋をしている
koi o shite iru
The English phrase "I am in love" is expressed in Japanese as 恋をしている (koi o shite iru).
恋をしている is a phrase used to say that you have strong romantic feelings for someone. This phrase is typically used when describing one's own emotional state to a third party, rather than as a direct confession to the person you love.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun koi (romantic love), the object marker o and the continuous form of the verb suru (to do), which literally means "is doing love".
Which one should you use?
While 恋をしている describes your internal state of being in love, suki desu is the more common, direct way to confess romantic feelings to another person. Additionally, while 恋をしている describes the state of being in love, koi ni ochita is used to describe the moment or event of falling in love.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Kansai region, the informal expression 惚れたわ can be used to mean "I'm in love."
How does it change in a sentence?
While 恋をしている describes the state of being in love, 恋に落ちた is used to describe the moment or event of falling in love.
How do you pronounce it?
koi o shite iru
Did you know?
- The word koi is shared with the word for 'carp' (koi), and because carp are symbols of perseverance and strength, the fish is often associated with the tenacity of romantic longing.
- Japanese distinguishes between koi (romantic love) and ai (deep or selfless love). While koi is often seen as an individual's longing or craving for another, ai is considered a more mature and giving form of love.
- In traditional Japanese culture, expressing koi directly was historically avoided in favor of subtle hints. This legacy remains today, which is why phrases like suki desu (I like you) are used as romantic confessions instead of 'I love you'.
Examples in context
- 私は今、恋をしている。Watashi wa ima, koi o shite iru.I am in love right now.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their feelings in a cafe.
- 結衣 Yui陽太くん、実は私、恋をしているの。Youta-kun, jitsu wa watashi, koi o shite iru no.Youta, actually, I am in love.
- 陽太 Yotaえっ、本当？誰に？E, honto? Dare ni?Eh, really? With whom?
- 結衣 Yuiそれは秘密だよ。Sore wa himitsu da yo.That's a secret.
- 陽太 Yota結衣がそんな顔をするなんて珍しいね。Yui ga sonna kao o suru nante mezurashii ne.It's rare to see you making such a face, Yui.
