mi amo
The phrase "I love me" in Italian is mi amo.
What does it mean word for word?
mi amo is composed of the reflexive pronoun mi (myself) and the first-person singular verb amo (I love).
How does it change in a sentence?
In Italian, the reflexive pronoun mi must precede the conjugated verb to express that the subject is performing the action upon themselves.
Did you know?
- The word amo comes from the Latin 'hāmus', meaning 'fishhook', which is the same root found in the French word 'hameçon'.
- While mi amo expresses romantic or narcissistic love, Italians use the phrase mi voglio bene to describe a healthy sense of self-care and self-esteem.
- If an Italian says mi amo, they are using the same reflexive structure as saying mi lavo ('I wash myself'), treating love as an action performed on the self.
Examples in context
- "Ti amo." "Anche io mi amo.""I love you." "I love me too."This example shows how to respond to someone saying "I love you" by saying "I love me too" using the form mi amo.Tatoeba #11090346 by Guybrush88, translation #10198042 by espamatics
- Mi amo molto quando sono sola.I love myself a lot when I am alone.
- Devo imparare a dirmi: mi amo.I need to learn to tell myself: I love me.
Example conversation
Chiara and Lorenzo are talking about self-care and confidence.
- ChiaraMi amo molto più di prima.I love myself much more than before.
- LorenzoÈ un pensiero bellissimo, Chiara.That is a beautiful thought, Chiara.
- ChiaraSì, perché mi amo e mi accetto.Yes, because I love myself and I accept myself.
- LorenzoHai fatto bene a cambiare mentalità.You did well to change your mindset.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amo, mi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
