我爱你，亲爱的
wǒ ài nǐ ， qīn ài de
I love you my love · trad. 我愛你，親愛的
我爱你 (wǒ ài nǐ) is the direct way to say "I love you" in Mandarin Chinese. Adding 亲爱的 (qīn ài de) translates to "my love" or "dear," commonly used as a term of endearment in romantic relationships.
When to use it
我爱你 is a strong declaration of love, typically reserved for serious romantic contexts. 亲爱的 is a versatile term of endearment, suitable for partners, spouses, or even close family members. For a less intense expression of affection, you might say 我喜欢你 (wǒ xǐhuān nǐ), "I like you."
How to pronounce it
我爱你 sounds like "WOH eye NEE." 我 is a third tone, 爱 is a fourth tone, 你 is a third tone. 亲爱的 sounds like "CHIN eye duh." 亲 is a first tone, 爱 is a fourth tone, 的 is a neutral tone.
Other ways to say it
- 我爱你wǒ ài nǐI love you (the core phrase)
- 我爱你，宝贝wǒ ài nǐ ， bǎo bèiI love you, baby/darling (more casual)
- 我爱你，我的爱人wǒ ài nǐ ， wǒ de ài rénI love you, my lover/beloved (slightly more formal)
Examples
我爱你，亲爱的，永远爱你。
wǒ ài nǐ ， qīn ài de ， yǒng yuǎn ài nǐ 。
I love you, my love, I'll love you forever.
亲爱的，我爱你胜过一切。
qīn ài de ， wǒ ài nǐ shèng guò yí qiè 。
My love, I love you more than anything.
谢谢你一直在我身边，我爱你。
xiè xiè nǐ yì zhí zài wǒ shēn biān ， wǒ ài nǐ 。
Thank you for always being by my side, I love you.
Pro tip: In Chinese culture, 我爱你 is a very strong and serious declaration, often reserved for deep romantic relationships or family. It's not used as casually or frequently as "I love you" might be in English. Sincerity and actions often speak louder than words.
Related phrases
我爱你 · I love you爱 · Love我想你 · I miss you
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