Ways to say it
| Lithuanian | IPA |
|---|---|
| aš tave myliu | [ˈɐʃ tɐˈʋʲɛ ¹ˈmʲiːlʲʊ̟] (narrow) |
| aš myliu tave | [ˈɐʃ ¹ˈmʲiːlʲʊ̟ tɐˈʋʲɛ] (narrow) |
| myliu tave | [¹ˈmʲiːlʲʊ̟ tɐˈʋʲɛ] (narrow) |
This phrase is used as an affirmation of romantic feeling. While you can include the subject pronoun, it is most common and natural in daily conversation to drop the subject and simply say myliu tave.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb myliu is the first-person singular present tense form of mylėti (to love). The word tave is the accusative case form of tu (you), used here because "you" is the direct object of the verb.
Which one should you use?
The word order aš tave myliu is the standard way to say the phrase, whereas aš myliu tave places a slight emphasis on the object, "you".
How does it change in a sentence?
The pronoun aš (I) is often omitted in casual speech because the verb ending -iu already indicates the first-person singular subject. In the phrase, tave is used as the direct object in the accusative case.
Did you know?
- In Lithuanian culture, saying myliu tave for the first time is often viewed as a significant milestone that changes the status of a relationship.
- The pronoun aš shares an ancient root with the Latin egō, meaning they both descend from the same Proto-Indo-European source for 'I'.
- While myliu tave is romantic, Lithuanians often use the word brangiu meaning 'I treasure' or 'you are dear' to express deep affection without the intensity of romantic love.
Examples in context
- Myliu tave iš visos širdies.I love you with all my heart.This sentence demonstrates how to use myliu tave to express deep affection.Tatoeba #1604188 by fanty, translation #68788 by CK
- Aš tave myliu. Ar tekėsi už manęs?I love you. Will you marry me?This sentence shows a romantic proposal using aš tave myliu.Tatoeba #4048177 by kotik, translation #4042279 by Hybrid
- Tu nežinai kaip stipriai aš tave myliu.You don't know how much I love you.This sentence uses aš tave myliu to emphasize the intensity of feeling.Tatoeba #1668259 by fanty, translation #556483 by Eldad
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is saying goodbye before work.
- EglėAtsiūrei, kai sutiksime vakare.Let me know when we meet in the evening.
- TomasKнечно, aš tave myliu.Of course, I love you.
- EglėAš tave taip pat myliu, Tomai.I love you too, Tomas.
- TomasIki vakaro, Egle!Until evening, Eglė!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I love you” translations and entries aš tave myliu, aš myliu tave, myliu tave, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aš, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
