Happy Valentine's Day 2026: How to say 'I Love You' in 15 different languages!

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate the international day of love than by learning how to say ‘I love you’ in different languages? Whether you want to surprise your partner, impress a loved one, or simply expand your linguistic horizons, the following will help you express your affection in a unique and memorable way

Arabic speakers are known for their open expressions of love, often using affectionate phrases even with new acquaintances1. Given Arabic is spoken across 25 countries, the phrase "I love you" can vary from region to region. To express "I love you" in Arabic, you would say: I want to tell you, Uhibbuk (أحبك), from the bottom of my heart.

In some cultures, expressing love verbally isn't as common. Mandarin Chinese speakers often prefer to express their feelings subtly. The direct translation of "I love you" in Mandarin is wǒ ài nǐ (我爱你), but it’s not used as often as you might think. Instead, you're more likely to hear wǒ xǐhuan nǐ (我喜欢你), which means "I like you". You can surprise your partner by saying, I may not say it often, but wǒ ài nǐ (我爱你), I truly do love you. Mandarin is a tonal language, so pronunciation is key. Make sure to practice to get the tones right before expressing your love.

The Netherlands is a wonderfully romantic place itself. While much of the year the country is blanketed by snow and rain, in the spring and summer, the Netherlands blooms with wildflowers, and is also known for its waterways that wind through cities and the countryside. To express your love, say "Ik hou van je". or Ik hou van je, I've never felt this way about anyone before.

French is often called the language of love, and for good reason. For centuries, French paintings have explored love through sensual and physical depictions, while French movies have continued this theme into the present day. Paris remains a popular destination for honeymoons, with its romantic atmosphere

To say "I love you" in French, you would say "Je t’aime". This classic phrase “Je t’aime, and I always will”, is perfect for expressing your feelings.

Germany offers much to appreciate, from schnitzel to bike-friendly cities and views of Neuschwanstein Castle. However, Germans tend to use the word "love" seriously. If you're expressing love for something, it means a lot. “Ich liebe dich, and those words mean everything to me.” This phrase is best used when you genuinely mean it, reflecting the depth of your emotions.

The phrase "luck of the Irish" is well-known, but what about "love of the Irish?". Ireland has much to offer, from stunning cliffs to charming stone towns. If someone from Ireland is making you fall in love, here's how to say "I love you" back in Gaelic: “Tá mé i ngrá leat, and being with you feels like a dream.” Whether you're exploring the scenic landscapes or enjoying the cozy pubs, sharing your feelings in Gaelic can add a touch of magic to your relationship.

Some cultures find it easier to express "like" rather than "love," especially when first confessing romantic feelings. In Japanese, it’s more common to say sukidayo (好きだよ), or "I like you," instead of the direct translation of "I love you," ai shiteru (愛してる)1. You'll often hear the latter in songs and TV shows, but not so much in real life.If you're looking to express your feelings without being too intense, sukidayo is the perfect phrase.

If you enjoy Korean dramas, you've likely heard characters expressing their feelings of love. Saranghaeyo (사랑해요) is a formal way to say "I love you" The informal version, saranghae (사랑해), is more commonly used in K-dramas and music. Whether you're sharing a heartfelt moment or enjoying a romantic date, expressing your love in Korean can create a memorable experience.

Portuguese is the official language of both Portugal and Brazil, but the way native speakers sound in each country is slightly different. To say "I love you," speakers from Portugal might say amo-te due to differences in pronoun order. In Brazil, you'll likely hear "Eu te amo". No matter which country's dialect you choose, expressing your love by saying “Eu te amo, with every beat of my heart.” will surly to be appreciated by your partner.

Like German, Russian has an intensity to it. While it might not be the warmest-sounding language, there is no doubt love exists between its speakers. To express "I love you" in Russian, say Ya lyublyu tebya (Я люблю тебя), and my feelings are as deep as the ocean.

Castilian Spanish, spoken in Spain, differs slightly from the Spanish of Latin America. However, the language of love remains fairly universal. Te quiero is the most common way to say "I love you" in Spain. Te amo is reserved for a deeper, more intense love, so use it carefully. Whether you're enjoying a sunset or sharing a quiet moment, expressing your love in Spanish can add a touch of warmth.

Turkey is famous for its winding bazaars and impressive architecture, both above ground and in its underground cisterns. If love is in the air for you, express your feelings by saying "Seni seviyorum".

Whether you're exploring historic sites or enjoying a romantic dinner, expressing your love in Turkish can create a memorable valentine’s day.

Italy is a place of charm and romance, offering everything from opera and frescos to gelato and espresso. It's easy to fall in love with the warmth of small-town residents and the musicality of the Italian language itself. To say "I love you" in Italian, you would say "Ti amo". Just simply say, “Ti amo, more than words can say.” to your partner and look at them blush.

In Vietnamese, the phrase "I love you" changes based on the speaker's gender. It's also useful to learn family vocabulary in case you want to express your feelings to them directly. To express "I love you" in Vietnamese, men say "Anh yêu em," while women say "Em yêu anh." This distinction adds a personal touch to your expression of love.

"मैं तुमसे प्यार करता/करती हूँ (Main tumse pyaar karta/karti hoon)" is a profound declaration of love in Hindi. From the lively streets of Mumbai to the calm ghats of Varanasi, this phrase conveys deep and lasting affection. Whether you're sharing a quiet moment or celebrating a special occasion, expressing your love by saying, “I must confess, मैं तुमसे प्यार करता/करती हूँ (Main tumse pyaar karta/karti hoon), with all my being” can create a lasting impression.