Te Quiero

Native Spanish speaker here.

Directly translated as “I want you” but it is often used as a casual “I love you” among Spanish speakers. Usually used with parents, siblings, friends, etc.

Meanwhile “Te Amo” is considered very intimate and usually only used with a partner. Even then it may only be said sparingly or during intimate moments such as the first time someone says I love you. Spanish speakers usually revert back to using “te quiero” or even saying “i love you” if both parties speak mostly English

I’m leaving for work now, te quiero!
vs
Te Amo, will you marry me?

41👍 5👎