te quiero primo
/te kjeɾo pɾimo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I love you cousin" is translated into Spanish as te quiero primo.
This phrase is an expression of affection used to tell a cousin that you love them. The verb querer used in this phrase can mean both "to love" or "to want."
Which one should you use?
While te quiero primo is the standard way to express affection for family, te amo primo is much more intense and is typically reserved for romantic partners or extremely deep emotional bonds.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you may hear Te quiero un montón, primo/prima, which means "I love you a lot, cousin". In Latin America, the expression Te quiero a morir, primo/prima is often used, translating to "I love you to death, cousin".
How does it change in a sentence?
You should use the feminine form prima instead of primo if the cousin is female.
How do you pronounce it?
/te kjeɾo pɾimo/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the term primo is often used as a colloquial term of endearment for close male friends, even if there is no biological relation.
- The word primo shares a linguistic root with the English word 'prime', as both stems trace back to the Latin concept of being 'first' or 'foremost'.
- In certain dialects, adding the word primo to a sentence can act as a filler or a way to establish a rapport, similar to using 'mate' or 'buddy' in English.
Example conversation
Sofía is saying goodbye to her cousin Daniel.
- SofíaTengo que irme ya, Daniel.I have to go now, Daniel.
- DanielEstá bien, nos vemos pronto.That's okay, see you soon.
- SofíaTe quiero primo, cuídate mucho.I love you cousin, take care of yourself.
- DanielYo también te quiero, Sofía.I love you too, Sofía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries primo, te, CC BY-SA 4.0.
