あなたに恋しています
anata ni koishiteimasu
The English phrase "I am in love with you" is expressed in Japanese as あなたに恋しています (anata ni koishiteimasu).
あなたに恋しています is used to tell someone that you have romantic feelings for them. Because of its high intensity and slightly literary tone, this phrase is more common in written media, such as novels or songs, than in spontaneous daily conversation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of anata (you), ni (with/to) and koishiteimasu (the continuous state of being in love).
Which one should you use?
Additionally, Kimi ni horeteimasu is a poetic expression that implies a passionate type of love, translating to "I have fallen in love with you", while Kimi ni muchuu is a light-hearted way to say "I am crazy about you" or "I'm head over heels for you".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
あなたに恋しています is a formal way to express this feeling, used when speaking politely to someone you deeply care about. For an informal, light-hearted expression, use Kimi ni muchuu.
How do you pronounce it?
anata ni koishiteimasu
Did you know?
- In Japan, romantic feelings are often expressed through iishikata, or the way something is said, rather than direct phrases. A person might say tsuki ga kirei desu ne ('the moon is beautiful, isn't it') to subtly imply they are in love.
- While 'love' is a single concept in English, Japanese distinguishes between different types of affection. For instance, 愛 (ai) refers to a deep, often selfless, long-term love, whereas 恋 (koi) is the more passionate, often more selfish and fleeting, romantic desire.
- While anata means 'you', it is rarely used in spoken Japanese among couples because it can sound distant or overly formal. Lovers typically address each other by name or nicknames instead of using a pronoun.
Examples in context
- ずっと前から、あなたに恋しています。Zutto mae kara, anata ni koi shite imasu.I have been in love with you for a long time.
- 本当のことを言います。あなたに恋しています。Hontō no koto o iimasu. Anata ni koi shite imasu.I will tell you the truth. I am in love with you.
Example conversation
Two friends are walking home together in the evening.
- 結衣 Yui大翔くん、伝えたいことがあります。Daishō-kun, tsutaetai koto ga arimasu.Daisho, there is something I want to tell you.
- 大翔 Hiroto何かな？結衣ちゃん。Nani kana? Yui-chan.What is it, Yui?
- 結衣 Yui私はあなたに恋しています。Watashi wa anata ni koishiteimasu.I am in love with you.
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとう。僕も同じ気持ちだよ。Arigatō. Boku mo onaji kimochi dayo.Thank you. I feel the same way.
