Я тебя люблю
Ya tebya lyublyueveryday
In English letters "I love you" in Russian is Ya tebya lyublyu, written Я тебя люблю in Cyrillic. It is also called Я вас люблю (Ya vas lyublyu) and Я люблю тебя (Ya lyublyu tebya).
Meaning: declaration of love (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Я тебя люблю | Ya tebya lyublyu | everyday |
| Я вас люблю | Ya vas lyublyu | formal |
| Я люблю тебя | Ya lyublyu tebya | everyday, emphasis |
What does it mean word for word?
Я (ya) is "I", тебя (tebya) is "you" as the object and люблю (lyublyu) is "love". Word order is flexible, so Я люблю тебя (Ya lyublyu tebya) means the same.
Which one should you use?
Russian puts the stress on whichever word matters. Я тебя люблю (Ya tebya lyublyu) stresses the loved one, while Я люблю тебя (Ya lyublyu tebya) stresses the feeling.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Я вас люблю (Ya vas lyublyu) uses the polite or plural вас (vas) and is rare. It sounds old fashioned or very respectful.
How do you pronounce it?
Say it as "ya tee-BYA lyoo-BLYOO". The лю sounds like "lyoo".
Did you know?
- The verb любить (lyubit) is the base of люблю (lyublyu), and the same verb is used for loving family, friends and pets.
Examples in context
- Я тебя люблю.Ya tebya lyublyu.I love you.
- Я люблю тебя больше всех.Ya lyublyu tebya bolshe vsekh.I love you more than anyone.
- Я вас люблю.Ya vas lyublyu.I love you (formal).
Example conversation
Nikita says goodbye to his wife Lena at the Moscow airport before a work trip.
- NikitaМне пора. Я тебя люблю.Mne pora. Ya tebya lyublyu.I have to go. I love you.
- LenaИ я тебя. Позвони, когда приземлишься.I ya tebya. Pozvoni, kogda prizemlishsya.Me too. Call when you land.
- NikitaОбязательно.Obyazatelno.Of course.
