How to Say “I Love You, My Love” in Spanish

te amo, mi amor
/te ˈamo mi aˈmoɾ/word by word
The English phrase "I love you, my love" is translated into Spanish as te amo, mi amor.
The phrase te amo, mi amor is primarily used in romantic contexts between partners or spouses to express deep affection.

Which one should you use?

While te amo, mi amor is used for deep, romantic or profound love, the alternative te quiero, mi amor is a common expression that can be slightly less intense or used in earlier stages of a relationship.

How do you pronounce it?

/te ˈamo mi aˈmoɾ/

Did you know?

  • In many Spanish-speaking countries, it is common to use mi amor as a term of endearment not just for romantic partners, but also for children or even by strangers in a friendly, maternal way.
  • The word amor shares a common ancestor with the Proto-Indo-European root *h₃emh₃-der, linking the concept of love to ancient linguistic structures.
  • In some Spanish-speaking cultures, saying te amo is considered so intense that couples may wait years or until marriage to use it, sticking to te quiero instead.

Examples in context

  • Te amo con todo mi ser, mi vida. Eres el faro que ilumina mi camino.
    I love you with all my being, my life. You are the lighthouse that illuminates my path.
  • Te amo, mi amor, de verdad.
    I love you, my love, truly.

Example conversation

A couple is saying goodbye before work.

  1. Lucía

    Tengo que irme ya, Javier.
    I have to leave now, Javier.
  2. Javier

    Que tengas un buen día, Lucía.
    Have a great day, Lucía.
  3. Lucía

    Gracias, te amo, mi amor.
    Thank you, I love you, my love.
  4. Javier

    Yo también te amo.
    I love you too.

Sources

  • IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (te, amo, mi, amor) and can differ in connected speech.
  • Word origins: Wiktionary entries amo, amor, mi, te, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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Mollie June
Mollie JuneHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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