Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mi piaci | /mi ˈpja.t͡ʃi/ | informal |
| mi piace | formal | |
| mi piacete | plural |
These phrases are used to express that you like someone. In a romantic context, mi piaci specifically expresses physical or romantic attraction. To express affection toward friends or family members, Italians typically use the phrase ti voglio bene instead.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "you are pleasing to me". This is because the Italian verb piacere functions differently than the English "to like".
Which one should you use?
The forms differ based on who you are addressing: mi piaci is used for a single person in an informal setting, while mi piace is the formal version used when addressing someone with the formal "you" (Lei). Use mi piacete when you are telling a group of people that you like them.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
mi piaci is the informal form used for friends or peers. mi piace is the formal version used for addressing someone respectfully. mi piacete is the plural form used for multiple people.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use mi piacete when addressing a group of people.
How do you pronounce it?
/mi ˈpja.tʃi/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying io ti piace. English speakers often mistakenly use io (I) as the subject, but in Italian, the person being liked is the subject and mi (to me) is the indirect object.
Did you know?
- Italian has a distinct difference between mi piaci (romantic attraction) and mi stai simpatico (finding someone's personality likable).
- Because piacere means 'to be pleasing', Italians use the same verb to say they like a person, a pizza, or a piece of music.
- While you might use mi piaci to express romantic attraction, saying it to a stranger can be seen as very forward or even flirtatious.
Examples in context
- Tu mi piaci molto.I like you very much.This sentence shows how to say you like someone very much using mi piaci.Tatoeba #2554605 by Guybrush88, translation #257095 by CK
- Anche tu mi piaci.I like you, too.This sentence uses mi piaci to say you like someone too.Tatoeba #5339053 by Guybrush88, translation #3374142 by CK
- È strano – mi piace.You're weird – I like you.This sentence uses mi piace to express liking someone despite them being weird.Tatoeba #2926570 by Guybrush88, translation #810337 by BraveSentry
- Marco, mi piaci tanto. Sei una persona speciale.Marco, I really like you. You are a special person.
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Martina are walking in a park.
- MatteoMartina, volevo dirti che mi piaci.Martina, I wanted to tell you that I like you.
- MartinaDavvero? Grazie, Matteo.Really? Thanks, Matteo.
- MatteoDico sul serio.I am serious.
- MartinaAnche tu mi piaci molto.I like you a lot too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I like you” translations and entries mi piaci, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
