aku lebih mencintaimu
The English phrase "I love you more" is expressed in Indonesian as aku lebih mencintaimu.
This phrase is used to communicate that your love for someone is greater than the love they have expressed for you.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of aku (I), lebih (more), mencintai (to love) and the suffix -mu (you).
Which one should you use?
While aku lebih mencintaimu is a standard way to express this, in colloquial daily conversation, Indonesians often use the form aku lebih sayang kamu to mean "I love/care for you more".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The use of aku instead of saya makes the phrase intimate and suitable for romantic partners or close friends.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word lebih (more) is placed before the verb mencintai (to love) to modify the intensity of the action.
When do people say it?
In an affectionate context, sayang is an endearing term meaning "dear".
Did you know?
- While mencintai is used for romantic love, the word sayang can also be used as a noun to mean 'a pity' or 'what a shame'.
- If you use the formal saya instead of aku in this phrase, you might actually sound like you are distancing yourself from your partner.
- The word lebih has relatives in other languages, such as the Tagalog word labì, which refers to a 'remnant' or 'fragment'.
Examples in context
- Aku lebih mencintaimu daripada segalanya.I love you more than anything.
- Jangan ragu, aku lebih mencintaimu.Don't doubt it, I love you more.
- Percayalah, aku lebih mencintaimu setiap hari.Believe me, I love you more every day.
Example conversation
A romantic moment at a park during sunset.
- DimasAku sangat mencintaimu, Indah.I love you so much, Indah.
- IndahAku juga mencintaimu, Dimas.I love you too, Dimas.
- DimasTapi aku lebih mencintaimu.But I love you more.
- IndahTerserah kamu saja.Whatever you say.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aku, lebih, CC BY-SA 4.0.
