Te quiero
everyday, affectionate
To tell a boy "I love you" in Spanish, say Te quiero. Te amo is stronger and more romantic, and Te quiero mucho, mi amor adds warmth.
Meaning: declaration of love (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| Te quiero | everyday, affectionate |
| Te amo | romantic, strong |
| Te quiero mucho, mi amor | affectionate |
Te quiero is used with family, friends and partners. Te amo is usually kept for romantic love or very serious moments.
Which one should you use?
The words stay the same whether you talk to a boy or a girl. Only the pet name changes, like mi niño, mi vida, cariño or guapo.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain te quiero is the normal choice even for couples, and te amo sounds dramatic. In Mexico te amo is used more freely.
Did you know?
- Spanish has two verbs for love, querer and amar, and the weaker querer is the one used daily.
Examples in context
- Te quiero, mi niño.I love you, my boy.
- Te amo, mi vida.I love you, my life.
- Te quiero mucho, cariño.I love you very much, darling.
Example conversation
Sandra tells her young son Mateo before school in Lima.
- SandraQue tengas buen día, Mateo.Have a good day, Mateo.
- MateoGracias, mamá.Thanks, Mom.
- SandraTe quiero mucho, mi niño.I love you very much, my boy.
- MateoYo también te quiero.I love you too.
