We all know that love transcends all barriers, learn how to express your love in Italian. Love is a universal language and that is why you cannot ignore being able to express it in Italian, especially if you have an Italian partner or are just learning the language and want to know how to say I love you in Italian, you have come to the right place.
There are are few rules you need to know before you say those sweet words. In English, “I love you” is used in all situations. But in Italian you’ll need to learn two different phrases or face some embarrassment!
The phrase I love you in Italian is said differently depending on who you are addressing – a romantic partner or family members and friends.
Ti amo – the Italian way to say I love you to a serious romantic partner
Ti voglio bene – say I love you to your family and friends in Italian
If you haven’t noticed, the Italian language distinguishes between loving someone and loving something or doing something. Learning this subtle distinction is the only way to avoid awkward situations with your Italian friends or lovers!
You have more than 10 ways to express your love in Italian to your favorite people
Italians use some beautiful phrases to express their love in a romantic way.
Here are some suggestions to take your words beyond a cheeky “Ciao bella/bello!” (hello beautiful/handsome).
| Italian | English |
| Amore mio | My Love |
| Cuore mio | My heart |
| Tesoro mio | My darling |
| Baciami! | Kiss me! |
| Sei tutto per me | you’re everything to me |
| Ti penso ogni giorno | I think about you every day |
| Sei il grande amore della mia vita | You’re the love of my life |
| Ti amo profondamente | I am deeply in love with you |
| Ti amerò sempre | I’ll always love you |
Love toward friends and family
Family is very important to Italians, so there are many ways to express your love for your family in Italian. Here are some sayings to make your family feel special the Italian way, whether it’s a special occasion like Festa de la Mamma (Mother’s Day) or just a friendly chat with nonna (grandma).
| Italian | English |
| Ti voglio tanto bene | I love you so much |
| Ti voglio bene | I love you |
| Ti voglio bene, mamma | I love you mom |
| Mia cara mamma / figlia / nonna | my darling mom / daughter / grandma |
| Vita mia! | my life |
| Tesoro mio | my treasure |
| Dammi un abbraccio | give me a kiss |
| Polpetta/Polpeto | my little meatball! |
Did you know that La Festa di San Valentino (Saint Valentine’s Day) originated in Italy?
Saint Valentine, also known as San Valentino in Italian, was a Roman priest. According to the legend, he began to secretly marry persecuted Christian couples and was martyred on February 14th, AD 269, after being discovered by Emperor Claudius Gothicus and refusing to renounce his faith.
Pope Gelasius I established La Festa di San Valentino in honor of the Christian martyr just over 200 years later.
Italian is known for being one of the most sophisticated languages, as well as one of the most romantic. There are several Italian expressions that are sure to make your special someone feel loved, but which are the best Italian love words?
Even if you aren’t dating an Italian-speaker yet, it might come in handy to know a few romantic Italian phrases. After all, Italian may not be one of the most spoken languages, but it is certainly common across the world!
