te amo, cariño
/te ˈamo kaˈɾiɲo/word by word
In Spanish, the phrase for "I love you, sweetheart" is te amo, cariño.
The phrase is an expression of deep affection used to tell a romantic partner or a loved one that you love them. While te amo, cariño is a direct way to express this, you might also use te amo, mi amor to say "i love you, my love", which is a very common alternative for romantic affection.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I love you, [my] affection", as the word cariño literally means "affection" or "care".
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between the verbs used for love. While te amo is used for deep, intense romantic love, te quiero is a very common alternative that can be used for both romantic partners and for close friends or family members.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, mi querida can be used to mean "my dear." In Spain and Argentina, Te amo, mi cielo translates to "I love you, my sweetheart."
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase te amo, cariño, the pronoun te (you) is placed before the conjugated verb amo (I love) following standard word order.
How do you pronounce it?
/te ˈamo kaˈɾiɲo/
Did you know?
- The word cariño is gender-neutral when used as a nickname, meaning it remains the same whether you are speaking to a man or a woman.
- The pronoun te in te amo originates from the Latin accusative form tē, a direct relative of the English word 'thou'.
- The word cariño can also be used as a noun to describe a physical caress or a stroke, such as a pet or a gentle touch.
Examples in context
- Te quiero mucho, cariño. Eres la razón de mi sonrisa todos los días.I love you so much, sweetheart. You're the reason for my smile every day.
- Te amo, cariño, siempre.I love you, sweetheart, always.
- Eres mi vida, te amo, cariño.You are my life, I love you, sweetheart.
- No olvides que te amo, cariño.Don't forget that I love you, sweetheart.
Example conversation
A couple saying goodbye before a long trip.
- ElenaTe amo, cariño, vuelve pronto.I love you, sweetheart, come back soon.
- AlejandroYo también te amo, Elena.I love you too, Elena.
- ElenaEscríbeme cuando llegues.Write to me when you arrive.
- AlejandroLo haré, mi amor.I will, my love.
