Expressing love around the world: Interesting facts and how to say "I love you" in different languages

Sam Colley
Reading time: 5 minutes

Love is a universal language that transcends borders, cultures and languages. For those learning another language, understanding how to express love in various tongues can be both fascinating and useful. Whether you're planning to travel, connect with friends from different backgrounds, or simply expand your linguistic repertoire, knowing how to say "I love you" in different languages as well as the cultural context, can be a beautiful way to show appreciation and affection. Let's take a look at some of the many ways to express this timeless sentiment and some interesting facts.

1. Cultural nuances:

In many cultures, the way you express love can carry different weights and meanings. For example, in Japanese, "愛してる" (aishiteru) is a very strong expression of love, often reserved for serious relationships, whereas "大好き" (daisuki) is more commonly used among friends and family.
However, French, often called the language of love, uses "je t'aime" to express love as a romantic phrase that can be used for both partners and close family members.

2. Gender differences:

Some languages have gender-specific ways of saying "I love you." For instance, in Arabic, "أحبك" (aḥibbuka) is used when a woman says "I love you" to a man, and "أحبك" (aḥibbuki) is used when a man says it to a woman. Similarly, in Hindi, men say "मैं तुमसे प्यार करता हूँ" (main tumse pyaar karta hoon) and women say "मैं तुमसे प्यार करती हूँ" (main tumse pyaar karti hoon).

3. Formal vs. informal:

Some languages have formal and informal ways of expressing love. In Spanish, "te amo" is more formal and used for romantic love, while "te quiero" is more casual and can be used for friends and family.
 

Privacy and cookies

By watching, you agree Pearson can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

4. Regional variations:

Even within the same language, regional variations can exist. For example, in Portuguese, "eu te amo" is used in both European and Brazilian Portuguese, but the accent and pronunciation can differ slightly.

5. Non-verbal expressions:

In some cultures, non-verbal expressions of love are equally important. For example, in many Asian cultures, actions often speak louder than words. Acts of service, giving gifts, or spending quality time can be more significant than verbal declarations of love.

6. Historical context:

The way "I love you" is expressed can be influenced by historical and social contexts. In some cultures, public displays of affection and verbal expressions of love were traditionally considered private matters and this has influenced how openly people express their feelings.

Traditionally, Japanese culture places a high value on modesty and restraint. Public displays of affection are often considered inappropriate, and verbal expressions of love can be rare and subtle. The concept of "amae" (the expectation to be loved and cared for) plays a significant role in relationships, where love is shown through dependency and mutual support rather than overt declarations.

7. Language structure:

The structure of a language can influence how love is expressed. For example, in German, "ich liebe dich" places the verb "love" (liebe) in the middle, emphasizing the feeling. In Chinese, "我爱你" (wǒ ài nǐ) follows the subject-verb-object structure, making it straightforward and clear.

8. Linguistic roots:

The words used to express love can have fascinating linguistic roots. For example, the English word "love" comes from the Old English "lufu," which is related to the Old High German "luba" and the Gothic "lubō."

9. Songs and literature:

Many famous songs and pieces of literature feature the phrase "I love you" in various languages.

The song, "Ti Amo" by Umberto Tozzi, is a timeless Italian love anthem, expressing deep affection and passion, while in Gabriel García Márquez's novel "Love in the Time of Cholera," the Spanish phrase "Te quiero" is used to convey deep, enduring love between the characters.

Learning these phrases can give you a deeper appreciation for international music, poetry, and prose.

10. Language learning benefits:

Learning to say "I love you" in different languages can enhance your overall language skills. It helps you understand pronunciation, grammar and cultural context, making you a more well-rounded language learner.

Using a different language to say "I love you" can also be a romantic gesture. It shows effort, thoughtfulness and a willingness to embrace your partner's culture or interests.

11. Global connectivity:

Knowing how to express love in different languages can help you connect with people from around the world. It fosters empathy, understanding and appreciation for diverse cultures and traditions.

Writers and artists often incorporate multiple languages into their works to reflect multicultural themes and connect with a broader audience. For example, the poet Pablo Neruda, who wrote in Spanish, has his works translated into many languages, allowing readers worldwide to experience the depth of his love poems. Reading "Te amo" in Neruda's poetry can evoke a universal feeling of love, transcending linguistic barriers.

12. Number of words for love:

The number of words in any language to express love can vary greatly. Sanskrit has 96 words for love, ancient Persian has 80, Greek 3 and English only 1.

Conclusion

Learning to say "I love you" in different languages is more than just memorizing phrases – it’s a wonderful way to connect with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. It enriches your language skills and opens up new avenues for expressing your feelings. These interesting facts highlight the richness and diversity of expressing love globally, making your language learning journey even more rewarding. So, go ahead and share the love, no matter where you are in the world.

Read more in our blog post ‘ What are the most spoken languages in the world?’.
 

Learn a new language with Mondly by Pearson

More blogs from Pearson

  • Two business professionals loooking at notes together
    GSE, KPIs and ROI (Part 2): Turning language data into business value
    By Łukasz Pakuła
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    In Part 1, we looked at how to build a sensible measurement philosophy for language training using KPIs and the Global Scale of English (GSE). We’ve established that language programs shouldn’t be treated as a calendar entry, but as a strategic lever, and that independence, granularity and credibility are the secret sauce.

    Now it’s time to move from how to why: how these datapoints translate into tangible business outcomes, and how to make sure your investment in English doesn’t just look good on slides but actually delivers value when the CFO walks in.

    From measuring to meaning: translating KPIs into ROI

    Let’s be blunt: only a reckless stakeholder invests without expecting a return. Weighing costs and benefits, however, can get tricky. Without some operational clarity, ROI quickly becomes either a fairy tale or a labyrinth, both of which are bad news in risk-averse corporate cultures.

    From a client’s perspective, it’s vital to include all components in your calculation: direct delivery fees, platform access, materials and, ideally, a provider capable of offering the full package. And please don’t forget the indirect cost of time. Two hours of lessons per week equals more than 100 hours per learner per year. Add the asynchronous learning that every serious learner contributes, and we’re suddenly talking about real numbers.

    If you skip that, the ROI will look spectacular on paper until someone performs a reality check and the budget line gets a little uncomfortable. If you’re an L&D manager reading this, add sensible estimates for coordination and reporting. Ideally, your provider helps you keep those to a minimum. At choices®, which provides language services, we see this as part of the service rather than a side quest. Trust me, it saves everyone time and sanity.

  • Students looking at notebooks smiling
    Get same-day results with Pearson English Express Test
    By Abi Fordham
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    If you’ve ever taken an English test and found yourself constantly checking your inbox, wondering when your score will arrive, you’re not alone. I worked across Pearson’s social media channels for years, and I heard from students every day who were anxious to know how they did, despite it only being an hour into the standard 48-hour turnaround time.

    That’s why I’m so excited about the Pearson English Express Test - because it gives you something most tests don’t: a score in minutes.

    The score that helps you plan

    Let’s talk about the unofficial score. You’ll see it just minutes after finishing the test. While it’s not certified for university applications just yet, it’s a powerful tool for planning your next move.

    If your score is where you hoped it would be, you can start preparing your application materials with confidence. If it’s not quite there, you’ve got a head start on knowing what to improve, and you haven’t lost time waiting to find out. It’s like getting a sneak peek at your future, and it’s one of the most empowering parts of the Pearson English Express Test experience.

    Fast and reliable certified results

    Of course, you’ll still need your certified score to apply to universities. That’s delivered within 48 hours, after a security review.

    • AI scoring ensures fairness and consistency.
    • Remote proctoring and ID checks keep the process secure.
    • Certified results align with CEFR standards and are trusted by institutions.

    You get speed and reliability – without compromise.

    Why fast English test results matter for students

    When you’re applying to study in the USA, every day counts and you’ll have so many things to tick off your list. You might be juggling deadlines, coordinating with universities, or planning your next big move. The Pearson English Express Test was built to support you, not slow you down.

    It’s fast, fair and designed for students who want to move forward with confidence.

    Ready to take the Pearson English Express Test?

    If you’re looking for a test that gives you answers quickly and helps you plan your next step, this is it.

    Take your test today and experience the difference for yourself.

  • A student and lecturer talking together in a lecture room
    Language education trend predicitions for 2026
    By Charlotte Guest
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    Language education has never been more active or challenging. We've experienced significant changes in technology, changing student needs and higher expectations for practical results. Looking ahead to 2026, the outlook is positive: better tools, clearer skill guides and learning that feels more personal and human.

    Below are nine trends to keep an eye on in 2026 for your language teaching. 

    AI becomes your co-teacher, not your replacement

    Generative AI is moving from novelty to dependable support: drafting lesson variants, generating levelled texts, offering initial feedback on writing and speaking, and freeing you to focus on pedagogy and relationships. The emphasis in 2026 is on ethical, transparent use: you set the learning goals and the guardrails; AI accelerates the workflow.

    Try: Use AI to produce three versions of a reading at different proficiency bands, then validate levels using a recognized framework.

    Data-informed personalization with clear proficiency frameworks

    Teachers want data they can trust and act on. Proficiency frameworks like the Global Scale of English (GSE) make progress visible and instructional decisions simpler, connecting learning objectives, materials and assessments across skills and levels. Expect more “micro-mastery” milestones and dashboards that turn evidence into next-step teaching.

    Try: Map unit outcomes to specific "can-do" statements, then build short practice cycles around those micro-goals. Use GSE-aligned resources to set targets and monitor growth.