Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ti amo | /ti ˈa.mo/ | informal, singular |
| vi amo | formal, plural |
This phrase is used to affirm romantic feelings toward a partner. It is important to use this specifically for romantic love and not for other types of affection.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ti amo is composed of the object pronoun ti (you) and the first-person singular verb amo (I love).
Which one should you use?
While ti amo is used exclusively for romantic love between partners, you should use ti voglio bene to express affection for friends or family members. The phrase ti voglio bene can be translated as "I want good for you".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form ti amo is informal and used when addressing one person. The form vi amo is used when addressing multiple people.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form ti amo uses the informal singular pronoun ti (you) to address one person. The form vi amo uses the plural pronoun vi (you all) to address more than one person.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of ti amo is /ti ˈa.mo/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd of 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- If you say ti amo to a parent or a sibling, it can sound strangely sexual or inappropriate to a native speaker because of its strictly romantic connotation.
- The pronoun vi in vi amo is an ancient form derived from the Latin word ibi, which originally meant 'there'.
- While ti amo is used for a lover, the verb amare is also used in much more formal or even religious contexts, such as 'loving God'.
Examples in context
- So che ti amo.I know that I love you.This sentence is useful for practicing the form ti amo in a statement about knowing one's feelings.Tatoeba #8425678 by Guybrush88, translation #7521816 by CK
- Ti amo di più.I love you more.This sentence is useful for practicing the form ti amo in a comparative context.Tatoeba #13298320 by Guybrush88, translation #12675782 by anzart
- Io ti amo, Tom.I love you, Tom.This sentence is useful for practicing the form ti amo when addressing someone by name.Tatoeba #4649429 by Guybrush88, translation #2765612 by CK
- Nonna, ti amo molto.Grandma, I love you very much.
- Francesca, ti voglio bene.Francesca, I love you like family.
- Mamma, ti amo tanto.Mom, I love you so much.
- Tesoro, ti voglio bene.Darling, I love you.
- 136 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are saying goodbye before work.
- GiuliaTi amo, Matteo.I love you, Matteo.
- MatteoAnche io ti amo, Giulia.I love you too, Giulia.
- GiuliaA dopo allora.See you later then.
- MatteoA dopo, cara.See you later, dear.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I love you” translations and entries ti amo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amo, ti, vi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
