jag älskar dig
/jɑː ɛlska dɛ̝jː/
In Swedish, "I love you" is expressed as jag älskar dig.
jag älskar dig is the most common and straightforward way to say "I love you" in Swedish.
Meaning: affirmation of romantic feeling (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of jag (I), älskar (love) and dig (you).
Which one should you use?
While jag älskar dig is used for deep romantic or intense love, you should use Jag tycker om dig to say "I like you" or to express a lighter form of affection.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb älskar is in the present tense. The infinitive form is att älska.
How do you pronounce it?
/jɑː ɛlska dɛ̝jː/
Did you know?
- Because Swedish culture often values understatement, a sudden shift from tycker om to älskar represents a massive, life-changing milestone in a relationship.
- The word älskar shares an ancient root with the English word 'love', as both stem from the Proto-Germanic root *lubo-.
- In Sweden, the phrase jag älskar dig is traditionally reserved for partners and immediate family, and using it with a casual friend could be perceived as an intense or confusing confession.
Examples in context
- Jag älskar dig, Spanien.I love you, Spain.This sentence shows how to express love to a country using jag älskar dig.Tatoeba #6364056 by SilasNordgren, translation #6321944 by robbieheslop
- Älskling, jag älskar dig.Honey, I love you.This sentence demonstrates how to use jag älskar dig alongside a term of endearment.Tatoeba #4343891 by richke, translation #2185162 by Hybrid
- Frankrike, jag älskar dig!France, I love you!Tatoeba #10675656 by morbrorper, translation #5276566 by Ricardo14
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maja and Erik are having a quiet moment at home.
- MajaJag älskar dig, Erik.I love you, Erik.
- ErikJag älskar dig också, Maja.I love you too, Maja.
- MajaDu är så snäll.You are so kind.
- ErikTack, min skatt.Thank you, my treasure.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I love you” translations and entries jag älskar dig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dig, jag, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
