I love you can be expressed in Spanish in two common ways:
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Te quiero: This phrase can be literally translated as “I want you”. It is the most common way to say “I love you” and can be used with family members, pets, friends, or significant others.
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Te amo: This phrase is mostly reserved for your “media naranja”, which means “your other half” or “special someone”. It is normally used to profess romantic love, although in some countries like Mexico, it can also be used with family members.
Here are a few more phrases that express love and affection in Spanish:
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Te quiero mucho: I love you a lot or I really love you.
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TQM: An abbreviation for “te quiero mucho”, commonly used in texts and emails.
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Te adoro: I adore you (similar to “te amo” but reserved for romantic feelings).
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Me gustas: I like you or I find you attractive (used to express a crush).
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Te extraño: I miss you (in some countries, you can also say “Te echo de menos”).
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Estoy enamorado de ti: I’m in love with you (use this version if you’re male).
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Estoy enamorada de ti: I’m in love with you (use this version if you’re female).
Remember that the choice of phrase depends on the context and the depth of your feelings.