我爱你，亲爱的
wǒ ài nǐ, qīn'ài de
The phrase 'I love you, darling' in Chinese is 我爱你，亲爱的 (wǒ ài nǐ, qīn'ài de).
This phrase is an expression of deep affection used to tell a romantic partner that you love them. While 'darling' is a common term of endearment in English, using 亲爱的 in Chinese can sometimes feel slightly more dramatic or formal than the casual terms used in everyday spoken Chinese.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 亲爱的 (qīn'ài de) is composed of 亲 (close/intimate) and 爱 (love), literally meaning 'dear' or 'beloved'.
Which one should you use?
For a more colloquial or 'modern' way to say 'darling' or 'baby' to a romantic partner, many speakers use 宝贝 (bǎobèi) instead of 亲爱的.
How do you pronounce it?
wǒ ài nǐ, qīn'ài de
Did you know?
- In many parts of China, people rarely say 我爱你 out loud to their partners, even in long-term relationships, preferring to show affection through actions like peeling fruit.
- While 亲爱的 is used for romantic partners, it is also frequently used by customer service representatives online to address any customer, much like 'dear' in a sales email.
- For an even more colloquial 'darling', some couples use 老公 (lǎogōng) and 老婆 (lǎopó), which literally mean 'old husband' and 'old wife'.
Examples in context
- 亲爱的，我对你充满了爱意。Darling, I am filled with love for you.
- 你就是我的心肝宝贝。You are my sweetheart
- 我爱你，亲爱的。Wǒ ài nǐ, qīn'ài de.I love you, darling.
Example conversation
A couple is saying goodbye before work.
- 梓涵 Zihan我要出门了。Wǒ yào chūmén le.I'm leaving now.
- 伟 Wei小心开车。Xiǎoxīn kāichē.Drive safely.
- 梓涵 Zihan我会的。我爱你，亲爱的。Wǒ huì de. Wǒ ài nǐ, qīn'ài de.I will. I love you, darling.
- 伟 Wei我也爱你。Wǒ yě ài nǐ.I love you too.
