Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| te amo | /te ˈamo/ |
| te quiero | /te ˈkjeɾo/ |
These phrases are used to express romantic feelings or deep affection. While te amo represents a high level of romantic intensity, te quiero is used more broadly for friends, family and the early stages of romance. You may also encounter te adoro as a passionate, informal way to say "I adore you".
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, te quiero translates to "I want you", but socially it functions as a standard way to say "I love you" to friends and family.
Which one should you use?
te amo is reserved for deep, serious romantic love or very intense familial bonds, making it more intimate. In contrast, te quiero is a more casual way to say "I love you" or "I care for you", suitable for friends, family or newer romantic partners.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the colloquial phrase te amo un chorro is used to convey a deep and passionate love. In Argentina, you might hear te quiero un montón to mean "I love you a lot" or te amo a morir to mean "I love you to death". Globally, the phrase te quiero mucho is a ubiquitous way to say "I love you a lot" in Spain, Mexico and much of Latin America.
How does it change in a sentence?
In both phrases, the pronoun te (you) precedes the conjugated verb (amo for "I love" or quiero for "I want/love").
How do you pronounce it?
/te ˈamo/
Did you know?
- Spanish has a specific word querencia, derived from the same root as te quiero, describing a place where one feels safe and loved.
- Because te quiero literally means 'I want you', using it with a stranger in a romantic context might sound more like a physical proposition than an expression of affection.
- While te amo is the standard for deep romance, using it too early in a relationship in certain Latin American cultures can actually feel overwhelming or even 'too heavy' for a new couple.
Examples in context
- Sé que te amo.I know I love you.This sentence is useful for expressing the knowledge of one's own love using te amo.Tatoeba #2412405 by marcelostockle, translation #2375989 by CK
- Te amo, tesoro mío.I love you, sweetheart.This sentence is useful for an affectionate way to address a sweetheart using te amo.Tatoeba #1277931 by marcelostockle, translation #139171 by fengrim
- Te amo tal como sos.I love you just as you are.This sentence is useful for expressing unconditional love using te amo.Tatoeba #998944 by hayastan, translation #386518 by Dorenda
- Sr. González, le amo y admiro profundamente por su labor filantrópica.Mr. González, I love you and deeply admire your philanthropic work.
- Te quiero mucho, amiga. Gracias por estar siempre a mi lado.I love you so much, my friend. Thank you for always being by my side.
- Te adoro, mi amor. Eres la persona más especial en mi vida.I adore you, my love. You are the most special person in my life.
- 132 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are having a romantic dinner at home.
- SofíaTe amo, Mateo.I love you, Mateo.
- MateoY yo te amo a ti, Sofía.And I love you, Sofía.
- SofíaEres el hombre de mi vida.You are the man of my life.
- MateoSiempre estaré contigo.I will always be with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I love you” translations and entries te amo, te quiero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
