Language Tips

Get expert tips on language, grammar, style and vocabulary

How to say 'I love you' in different languages

3 min read
by
22 April 2021
person doing a heart with his hands

If you're studying a new language, "I love you" is one of the first phrases you'll learn. It's the main way we verbalise love and affection for another person or thing, but there are endless ways to say 'I love you' in different languages. Learn how to say "I love you" in French, German and English:

 

How to say 'I love you' in French

Je t'adore

French is often considered one of the most romantic languages in the world. Because of this, there are quite a few ways to say "I love you" in French. The most universal and well known is "Je t'adore", which translates as "I love you so much".  

 

Tu es le meilleur /  Tu es la meilleure

To complement a person rather than presenting feelings for them, you could say "Tu es le meilleur!" (to a man) or "Tu es la meilleure!" (to a woman), which means "You're the best!".

 

Tu gères!

If you want to show your appreciation to a person, you could say "Tu gères!" which means "You rock!". This can be used if the person is doing a favor for you. 

 

 

How to say 'I love you' in German

Ich liebe dich

"Ich liebe dich" is the common way to say "I love you" in German. Normally this phrase is reserved for romantic partners or spouses, so avoid using it to friends, family or someone you just met. 

 

Ich hab’ dich lieb

If you want to show affection to your friends or family, use "Ich hab' dich lieb", which roughly translates to "Love ya!". It's more informal and sometimes used before hanging up on a phone call or right before two friends part ways.

 

Want to find your dream destination?
top view students in kaplan school

Discover Kaplan’s fantastic, worldwide English schools

 

How to say 'I love you' in English

I love you

It's short, simple and always said in the closing scene of a rom-com. "I love you" is the most popular way to express your love to something or someone in English. It's easy to remember and you can say it to both friends and family. Another alternative is "I adore you", which is a little more affectionate. To reply to someone who says this to you, you can say "I love you / adore you too".

 

I'm in love with you

There are other ways to express love in English - some purely romantic - so you should avoid saying these to your friends or colleagues, unless you really mean it! "I'm in love with you" is a great example of this. It might seem similar to "I love you" but it's purely romantic as it suggests a more intense love. 

 

You're amazing

If you want to play it safe and not give the wrong impression, a simple "You're amazing!" will do. It's friendly and usually doesn't indicate any romantic feelings. 

Tags

  • Language tips

    Get expert advice on grammar, vocabulary, and spelling 

  • English

    Secure a deeper understanding of the English language

  • French

    Upgrade your French language skills with these simple tips 

  • German

    Attain a more extensive understanding of the German language 

Share this article