Which one should you use?
The term aishiteru expresses profound or serious love, whereas daisuki is used to say one loves or likes someone very much. While aishiteru is very weighty, daisuki is more suitable for regular, natural expressions of affection toward a parent.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
There are several ways to express this depending on the setting. ママ (mama) is an informal and affectionate way to address a mother, often used by children or in very close family settings. Okaasan, daisuki! is an informal way to say "Mom, I love you!" and Okāsan, aishiteru! is another informal option. For a more formal approach, you can use Okāsan no koto ga daisuki desu.
How do you pronounce it?
mama, aishiteru yo
When do people say it?
In Japanese culture, expressing love with aishiteru carries a significant weight that differs from English usage.
Did you know?
- The term ママ (mama) is a loanword from English or Portuguese and is not an indigenous Japanese word for mother.
- Japanese speakers may use the phrase ありがとう ('thank you') as a culturally understood proxy for 'i love you' when speaking to a parent.
- Using the phrase 愛してる (aishiteru) in a casual family setting can sometimes feel overly dramatic, almost like a line from a movie or a soap opera.
Examples in context
- ずっと、ママ、愛してるよ。Zutto, mama, aishiteru yo.I will always love you, mom.
- 本当だよ、ママ、愛してるよ。Hontou da yo, mama, aishiteru yo.It's true, I love you, mom.
Example conversation
A child is giving a handmade card to their mother.
- 結衣 Yuiママ、これプレゼント！Mama, kore purezento!Mom, this is a present for you!
- 蓮 Renわあ、嬉しい！ありがとう。Waa, ureshii! Arigatou.Wow, I'm so happy! Thank you.
- 結衣 Yuiママ、愛してるよ。Mama, aishiteru yo.I love you, mom.
- 蓮 Ren私も愛してるよ、結衣。Watashi mo aishiteru yo, Yui.I love you too, Yui.
