Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 愛してる | ai-shiteru | [a̠i ɕi̥te̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 君を愛している | kimi o ai-shite iru | |
| 俺はお前のことが好きだ | ore wa omae no koto ga suki da | |
| 俺はお前が好きだ | ore wa omae ga suki da | |
| 好きよ | suki yo | |
| 私はあなたが好きだ | watashi wa anata ga suki da | |
| アイ・ラブ・ユー | ai-rabu-yū | [a̠i ɾa̠bɯ̟ jɯ̟ː] (narrow) |
| 好きやねん | sukiyanen |
These phrases are used to affirm romantic feelings. The term 好き (suki) is the most common way to express romantic affection in Japanese, often functioning as the equivalent of 'I love you' in everyday dating contexts. Additionally, the katakana version アイ・ラブ・ユー is sometimes used in pop culture or songs to add a Westernized, lighthearted or stylistic flair to the sentiment.
Which one should you use?
好きよ (suki yo) means I like you (informal but less intense way to express affection). One can also use Daisuki da yo as an informal way to say 'I really like you (informal way to say "I love you")'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Using 俺はお前が好きだ (ore wa omae ga suki da) makes the expression sound very masculine and rough, often used in casual or gritty contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form 好きやねん is a characteristic way to express affection in the Kansai region (Osaka/Kyoto area).
How do you pronounce it?
ai-shiteru
When do people say it?
In Japanese culture, direct verbal expressions of 'love' (ai) are traditionally much rarer and more dramatic than in English-speaking cultures.
Did you know?
- Historically, the word 愛 was rarely used for human emotions and was seen as a concept imported from Western translations of the Bible.
- The grammatical structure of 愛してる (ai shiteru) is actually a continuous action. It literally translates to 'I am doing the act of loving', implying that love is an ongoing process rather than a static state.
- In some traditional families, a father might express love for his children by criticizing them or being stern, as overt affection was once seen as indulgent.
Examples in context
- 愛してるよ、リサ！I love you, Lisa!This sentence is useful for practicing the form 愛してる in a direct address.Tatoeba #8736627 by small_snow, translation #9234969 by kedymera
- 心から愛してるよ。I love you from the bottom of my heart.This sentence shows how to use 愛してる to express deep, heartfelt emotion.Tatoeba #10680320 by small_snow, translation #6133249 by carlosalberto
- あなた。大好きよ。Honey, I love you.This sentence demonstrates the informal use of the form 好きよ.Tatoeba #12698715 by small_snow, translation #2185162 by Hybrid
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are walking in a park at sunset.
- 蓮 Ren結衣、ずっと前から愛してる。Yui, zutto mae kara aishiteru.Yui, I have loved you for a long time.
- 結衣 Yui本当？私も愛してるよ、蓮。Hontou? Watashi mo aishiteru yo, Ren.Really? I love you too, Ren.
- 蓮 Renありがとう。幸せだよ。Arigatou. Shiawase da yo.Thank you. I am so happy.
- 結衣 Yui私も。ずっと一緒にいようね。Watashi mo. Zutto issho ni iyou ne.Me too. Let's be together forever.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I love you” translations and entries 愛してる, アイ・ラブ・ユー, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 愛してる, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
