Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 愛してる | ai-shiteru | [a̠i ɕi̥te̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 君を愛している | kimi o ai-shite iru | |
| 俺はお前のことが好きだ | ore wa omae no koto ga suki da | |
| 俺はお前が好きだ | ore wa omae ga suki da | |
| 好きよ | suki yo | |
| 私はあなたが好きだ | watashi wa anata ga suki da | |
| アイ・ラブ・ユー | ai-rabu-yū | [a̠i ɾa̠bɯ̟ jɯ̟ː] (narrow) |
| 好きやねん | sukiyanen |
These phrases are used to affirm romantic feelings. While there are several ways to express affection, Japanese speakers often use 大好き (daisuki) to express strong affection in daily life. This is a common alternative to the more dramatic 愛してる.
Which one should you use?
The forms differ significantly in intensity and nuance. 愛してる is a heavy, serious expression of romantic love, whereas forms using 好き (suki) are more common for expressing general liking or affection. For a more modern or less heavy feeling, some speakers use the English loanword アイ・ラブ・ユー.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The level of formality and gendered tone varies across the available forms. 俺はお前が好きだ or 俺はお前のことが好きだ sound very masculine and informal, often used between men or in specific romantic contexts. For a very formal way to express affection, one might use Daisuki desu (I really like you) or Kokoro kara aishite imasu (I love you from the bottom of my heart). In informal settings, Daisuki da (I really like you) or Suki da yo (I love you or I like you) are common.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Kansai region, such as the Osaka or Kyoto areas, colloquial expressions like 好きやねん or 好いとんねん are used to express affection.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 愛してる is a contraction of 愛している. The 〜ている suffix indicates a continuous state of feeling.
How do you pronounce it?
ai-shiteru
When do people say it?
Directly saying 愛してる is relatively rare in Japanese culture. It is usually reserved for extremely significant, life-changing romantic moments.
Did you know?
- In many Japanese films or novels, a character might express deep love by simply saying 月が綺麗ですね (The moon is beautiful, isn't it?).
- The word 愛 (ai) was historically rare in daily conversation and was often viewed as too philosophical or abstract until Western concepts of romantic love influenced the language in the modern era.
- The phrase 愛してる is grammatically structured as 'doing love', as it uses the verb する (suru) meaning 'to do'.
Examples in context
- 愛してるよ、リサ！I love you, Lisa!This example shows how to use 愛してる to express love to someone named Lisa.Tatoeba #8736627 by small_snow, translation #9234969 by kedymera
- 心から愛してるよ。I love you from the bottom of my heart.This example shows how to use 愛してる to say you love someone from the bottom of your heart.Tatoeba #10680320 by small_snow, translation #6133249 by carlosalberto
- あなた。大好きよ。Honey, I love you.This-example uses 好きよ to express affection towards a partner.Tatoeba #12698715 by small_snow, translation #2185162 by Hybrid
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota and Yui are walking home together at night.
- 陽太 Yotaずっと一緒にいたい。愛してる。Zutto issho ni itai. Aishiteru.I want to be with you forever. I love you.
- 結衣 Yui私もだよ。愛してるよ、陽太。Watashi mo dayo. Aishiteru yo, Yota.Me too. I love you, Yota.
- 陽太 Yota嬉しいな。これからもよろしくね。Ureshii na. Kore kara mo yoroshiku ne.I'm so happy. I look forward to our future together.
- 結衣 Yuiうん、こちらこそ。Un, kochira koso.Yes, likewise.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I love you” translations and entries 愛してる, アイ・ラブ・ユー, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 愛してる, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
