Love in china word

Do you often feel lonely and sad? Do you long for romance and are willing to do whatever it takes to meet that special person? Speaking another language could revolutionize your love life! So, why wait? Learning how to say ‘love’ in Chinese could be just what you need to find it.

Or perhaps you were lucky, and have found your Chinese partner already. Fantastic! Yet, a cross-cultural relationship comes with unique challenges. Learning how to speak your lover’s language will greatly improve your communication and enhance the relationship. At ChineseClass101, our team will teach you all the words, quotes and phrases you need to woo your Chinese lover with excellence! Our tutors provide personal assistance, with plenty of extra material available to make Chinese dating easy for you.

Table of Contents

1. Common Phrases You’ll Need for a Date
2. The Most Romantic Ideas for a Date
3. Must-know Valentine’s Day Vocabulary
4. Chinese Love Phrases for Valentine’s Day
5. Chinese Quotes about Love
6. Marriage Proposal Lines
7. 15 Most Common Break-Up Lines
8. Will Falling in Love Help You Learn Chinese Faster?

Start with a bonus, and download the ‘How To be a Good Lover Cheat Sheet’ for FREE! (Logged-In Member Only)

1. Common Phrases You’ll Need for a Date

So, you have met your Chinese love interest. Congratulations! Who knows where this could take you…?! However, the two of you have just met and you’re not ready to say the Chinese word for love just yet. Great, it is better to get to know him/her first. Wow your prospective love by using these Chinese date phrases to set up a spectacular first date.

Would you like to go out to dinner with me?

• 你愿意和我一起出去吃晚饭吗？
• Nǐ yuànyì hé wǒ yīqǐ chūqù chī wǎnfàn ma?

The important question! In most cultures, this phrase indicates: ‘I’m romantically interested in you’. Flirting in Chinese is no different, so don’t take your date to Mcdonald’s!

Are you free this weekend?

• 这个周末你有空吗？
• Zhège zhōumò nǐ yǒu kòng ma?

This is a preamble to asking your love interest on a date. If you get an immediate ‘Yes’, that’s good news!

Would you like to hang out with me?

• 你愿意和我一起出去吗？
• Nǐ yuànyì hé wǒ yīqǐ chūqù ma?

You like her/him, but you’re not sure if there’s chemistry. Ask them to hang out first to see if a dinner date is next.

What time shall we meet tomorrow?

• 我们明天什么时候见面？
• Wǒmen míngtiān shénme shíhou jiànmiàn?

Set a time, and be sure to arrive early! Nothing spoils a potential relationship more than a tardy date.

Where shall we meet?

• 我们在哪见面？
• Wǒmen zài nǎ jiànmiàn?

You can ask this, but also suggest a place.

You look great.

• 你看上去很棒。
• Nǐ kàn shàngqù hěn bàng.

A wonderful ice breaker! This phrase will help them relax a bit – they probably took great care to look their best just for you.

You are so cute.

• 你真可爱。
• Nǐ zhēn kě’ài.

If the two of you are getting on really well, this is a fun, flirtatious phrase to use.

What do you think of this place?

• 你觉得这个地方怎么样？
• Nǐ juéde zhège dìfāng zěnme yàng?

This another good conversation starter. Show off your Chinese language skills!

Can I see you again?

• 我可以再见到你吗？
• Wǒ kěyǐ zài jiàndào nǐ ma?

So the date went really well – don’t waste time! Make sure you will see each other again.

Shall we go somewhere else?

• 我们去别的地方好吗？
• Wǒmen qù biédì dìfāng hǎoma?

If the place you meet at is not great, you can suggest going elsewhere. It is also a good question to follow the previous one. Variety is the spice of life!

I know a good place.

• 我知道一个好地方。
• Wǒ zhīdào yīgè hǎo dìfāng.

Use this with the previous question. However, don’t say if you don’t know a good place!

I will drive you home.

• 我会开车送你回家。
• Wǒ huì kāichē sòng nǐ huí jiā.

If your date doesn’t have transport, this is a polite, considerate offer. However, don’t be offended if she/he turns you down on the first date. Especially a woman might not feel comfortable letting you drive her home when the two of you are still basically strangers.

That was a great evening.

• 那是一个很棒的夜晚。
• Nà shì yīgè hěn bàng de yèwǎn.

This is a good phrase to end the evening with.

When can I see you again?

• 我什么时候能再见到你？
• Wǒ shénme shíhou néng zàijiàn dào nǐ?

If he/she replied ‘Yes’ to ‘Can I see you again?’, this is the next important question.

I’ll call you.

• 我会给你打电话。
• Wǒ huì gěi nǐ dǎ diànhuà.

Say this only if you really mean to do it. In many cultures, this could imply that you’re keeping the proverbial backdoor open.

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2. The Most Romantic Ideas for a Date

You learned all the Chinese phrases to make a date – congratulations! Now you have to decide where to meet, which can be tricky. Discuss these options with your lover to gauge whether you like the same things. Check out romantic date ideas in Chinese below!

museum

• 博物馆
• bówù guǎn

If you’re looking for unique date ideas that are fun but won’t break the bank, museums are the perfect spot! You won’t be running out of things to say in the conversations.

candlelit dinner

• 烛光晚餐
• zhúguāng wǎncān

A candlelit dinner is perhaps best to reserve for when the relationship is getting serious. It’s very intimate, and says: “Romance!” It’s a fantastic choice if you’re sure you and your date are in love with each other!

go to the zoo

• 去动物园
• qù dòngwùyuán

This is a good choice for shy lovers who want to get the conversation going. Just make sure your date likes zoos, as some people dislike them. Maybe not for the first date, but this is also a great choice if your lover has children – you’ll win his/her adoration for inviting them along!

go for a long walk

• 长时间散步
• chángshíjiān sànbù

Need to talk about serious stuff, or just want to relax with your date? Walking together is soothing, and a habit you can keep up together always! Just make sure it’s a beautiful walk that’s not too strenuous.

go to the opera

• 去看歌剧
• qù kàn gējù

This type of date should only be attempted if both of you love the opera. It can be a special treat, followed by a candlelit dinner!

go to the aquarium

• 去水族馆
• qù shuǐzúguǎn

Going to the aquarium is another good idea if you need topics for conversation, or if you need to impress your lover’s kids! Make sure your date doesn’t have a problem with aquariums.

walk on the beach

• 在海滩上散步
• zài hǎitān shàng sànbù

This can be a very romantic stroll, especially at night! The sea is often associated with romance and beauty.

have a picnic

• 野餐
• yě cān

If you and your date need to get more comfortable together, this can be a fantastic date. Spending time in nature is soothing and calms the nerves.

cook a meal together

• 一起做饭
• yīqǐ zuòfàn

If you want to get an idea of your date’s true character in one go, this is an excellent date! You will quickly see if the two of you can work together in a confined space. If it works, it will be fantastic for the relationship and create a sense of intimacy. If not, you will probably part ways!

have dinner and see a movie

• 吃晚饭，看电影
• chī wǎnfàn, kàn diànyǐng

This is traditional date choice works perfectly well. Just make sure you and your date like the same kind of movies!

3. Must-know Valentine’s Day Vocabulary

Expressing your feelings honestly is very important in any relationship all year round. Yet, on Valentine’s Day you really want to shine. Impress your lover this Valentine’s with your excellent vocabulary, and make his/her day! We teach you, in fun, effective ways, the meanings of the words and how to pronounce them. You can also copy the characters and learn how to write ‘I love you’ in Chinese – think how impressed your date will be!

4. Chinese Love Phrases for Valentine’s Day

So, you now have the basic Valentine’s Day vocabulary under your belt. Well done! But, do you know how to say ‘I love you’ in Chinese yet? Or perhaps you are still only friends. So, do you know how to say ‘I like you’ or ‘I have a crush on you’ in Chinese? No? Don’t worry, here are all the love phrases you need to bowl over your Chinese love on this special day!

I love you.

• 我爱你。
• Wǒ ài nǐ.

Saying ‘I love you’ in Chinese carries the same weight as in all languages. Use this only if you’re sure and sincere about your feelings for your partner/friend.

You’re so beautiful.

• 你真漂亮。
• Nǐ zhēn piàoliang.

If you don’t know how to say ‘You’re pretty’ in Chinese, this is a good substitute, gentlemen!

You’re so handsome.

• 你好帅。
• Nǐ hǎo shuài .

Ladies, this phrase lets your Chinese love know how much you appreciate his looks! Don’t be shy to use it; men like compliments too.

I’ve got a crush on you.

• 我喜欢你。
• Wǒ xǐhuān nǐ .

If you like someone, but you’re unsure about starting a relationship, it would be prudent to say this. It simply means that you like someone very, very much and think they’re amazing.

You make me want to be a better man.

• 你让我想变得更好。
• Nǐ ràng wǒ xiǎng biàn de gènghǎo .

Gentlemen, don’t claim this phrase as your own! It hails from the movie ‘As Good as it Gets’, but it is sure to make your Chinese girlfriend feel very special. Let her know that she inspires you!

Let all that you do be done in love.

• 让所有你做的事都充满爱。
• Ràng suǒyǒu nǐ zuò de shì dōu chōngmǎn ài .

We hope.

You are my sunshine, my love.

• 你是我的阳光，我的爱。
• Nǐ shì wǒ de yángguāng, wǒ de ài.

A compliment that lets your lover know they bring a special quality to your life. Really nice!

Words can’t describe my love for you.

• 无法用言语来形容我对你的爱。
• Wúfǎ yòng yányǔ lái xíngróng wǒ duì nǐ de ài.

Better say this when you’re feeling serious about the relationship! It means that your feelings are very intense.

We were meant to be together.

• 我们是命中注定要在一起。
• Wǒmen shì mìngzhōng zhùdìng yào zài yìqǐ .

This is a loving affirmation that shows you see a future together, and that you feel a special bond with your partner.

If you were thinking about someone while reading this, you’re definitely in love.

• 如果你读这篇文章时想着某个人，你一定是恋爱了。
• Rúguǒ nǐ dú zhè piān wénzhāng shí xiǎngzhe mǒu gèrén , nǐ yídìng shì liànài le .

Here’s something fun to tease your lover with. And hope he/she was thinking of you!

Will you be my Valentine?

• 你愿意与我共度情人节吗？
• Nǐ yuànyì yǔ wǒ gòngdù Qíngrénjié ma ?

With these words, you are taking your relationship to the next level! Or, if you have been a couple for a while, it shows that you still feel the romance. So, go for it!

Love is just love. It can never be explained.

• 爱情就是爱情，常理无法解释。
• Àiqíng jiù shì àiqíng , chánglǐ wúfǎ jiěshì .

If you fell in love unexpectedly or inexplicably, this one’s for you.

You mean so much to me.

• 你对我而言如此重要。
• Nǐ duì wǒ éryán rúcǐ zhòngyào .

This is a beautiful expression of gratitude that will enhance any relationship! It makes the receiver feel appreciated and their efforts recognized.

I think of you as more than a friend.

• 我认为你不仅仅只是一个朋友。
• Wǒ rènwéi nǐ bù jǐnjǐn zhǐ shì yí gè péngyǒu.

Say this if you are not yet sure that your romantic feelings are reciprocated. It is also a safe go-to if you’re unsure about the Chinese dating culture.

A hundred hearts would be too few to carry all my love for you.

• 一百颗心也不足以承载我对你的爱。
• Yìbǎi kē xīn yě bù zúyǐ chéngzài wǒ duì nǐ de ài .

You romantic you…! When your heart overflows with love, this would be the best phrase to use.

5. Chinese Quotes about Love

You’re a love champ! You and your Chinese lover are getting along fantastically, your dates are awesome, your Valentine’s Day together was spectacular, and you’re very much in love. Good for you! Here are some beautiful phrases of endearment in Chinese that will remind him/her who is in your thoughts all the time.

6. Marriage Proposal Lines

Wow. Your Chinese lover is indeed the love of your life – congratulations! And may only happiness follow the two of you! In most traditions, the man asks the woman to marry; this is also the Chinese custom. Here are a few sincere and romantic lines that will help you to ask your lady-love for her hand in marriage.

7. 15 Most Common Break-Up Lines

Instead of moving towards marriage or a long-term relationship, you find that the spark is not there for you. That is a pity! But even though breaking up is never easy, continuing a bad or unfulfilling relationship would be even harder. Remember to be kind to the person you are going to say goodbye to; respect and sensitivity cost nothing. Here are some phrases to help you break up gently.

We need to talk.

• 我想和你谈一谈。
• Wǒ xiǎng hé nǐ tán yī tán.

This is not really a break-up line, but it is a good conversation opener with a serious tone.

It’s not you. It’s me.

• 不是你，是我。
• bù shì nǐ , shì Wǒ .

As long as you mean it, this can be a kind thing to say. It means that there’s nothing wrong with your Chinese lover as a person, but that you need something different from a relationship.

I’m just not ready for this kind of relationship.

• 我只是没有准备好变成这种关系。
• Wǒ zhǐ shì méiyǒu zhǔnbèi hǎo biànchéng zhèzhǒng guānxi .

Things moved a bit fast and got too intense, too soon? Painful as it is, honesty is often the best way to break up with somebody.

Let’s just be friends.

• 我们只做朋友吧。
• Wǒmen zhǐ zuò péngyǒu ba.

If the relationship was very intense, and you have sent many ‘i love u’ texts in Chinese, this would not be a good breakup line. Feelings need to calm down before you can be friends, if ever. If the relationship has not really developed yet, a friendship would be possible.

I think we need a break.

• 我认为我们需要冷静。
• Wǒ rènwéi wǒmen xūyào lěngjìng .

This is again honest, and to the point. No need to play with someone’s emotions by not letting them know how you feel. However, this could imply that you may fall in love with him/her again after a period of time, so use with discretion.

You deserve better.

• 你应该得到更好的。
• Nǐ yīnggāi dédào gèng hǎo de.

Yes, he/she probably deserves a better relationship if your own feelings have cooled down.

We should start seeing other people.

• 我们应该开始注意其他人。
• wǒmen yīnggāi kāishǐ zhùyì qítārén .

This is probably the least gentle break-up phrase, so reserve it for a lover that doesn’t get the message!

I need my space.

• 我需要自己的空间。
• Wǒ xūyào zìjǐ de kōngjiān .

When a person is too clingy or demanding, this would be an suitable break-up phrase. It is another good go-to for that lover who doesn’t get the message!

I think we’re moving too fast.

• 我认为我们进展得太快了。
• Wǒ rènwéi wǒmen jìnzhǎn děi tài kuài le .

Say this if you want to keep the relationship, but need to slow down its progress a bit. It is also good if you feel things are getting too intense for your liking. However, it is not really a break-up line, so be careful not to mislead.

I need to focus on my career.

• 我需要专注于我的工作。
• Wǒ xūyào zhuān zhù yú Wǒ de gōngzuò .

If you feel that you will not be able to give 100% in a relationship due to career demands, this is the phrase to use. It’s also good if you are unwilling to give up your career for a relationship.

I’m not good enough for you.

• 我配不上你。
• Wǒ pèi bù shàng nǐ .

Say this only if you really believe it, or you’ll end up sounding false. Break-ups are usually hard for the receiving party, so don’t insult him/her with an insincere comment.

I just don’t love you anymore.

• 我只是不再爱你了。
• Wǒ zhǐ shì bù zài ài nǐ le .

This harsh line is sometimes the best one to use if you are struggling to get through to a stubborn, clingy lover who won’t accept your break up. Use it as a last resort. Then switch your phone off and block their emails!

We’re just not right for each other.

• 我们只是不适合对方。
• wǒmen zhǐ shì bù shìhé duìfāng .

If this is how you truly feel, you need to say it. Be kind, gentle and polite.

It’s for the best.

• 这样对我们来说都好。
• zhèyàng duì wǒmen láishuō dōuhǎo .

This phrase is called for if circumstances are difficult and the relationship is not progressing well. Love should enhance one’s life, not burden it!

We’ve grown apart.

• 我们已经分道扬镳。
• Wǒmen yǐjīng fēndàoyángbiāo.

Cross-cultural relationships are often long-distance ones, and it is easy to grow apart over time.

8. Will Falling in Love help you Learn Chinese faster?

Most people will agree that the above statement is a no-brainer – of course it will! Your body will be flooded with feel-good hormones, which are superb motivators for anything. ChineseClass101 is one of the best portals to help help make this a reality, so don’t hesitate to enroll now! Let’s quickly look at the reasons why falling in love will speed up your learning of the Chinese language.

Three Reasons Why Having a Lover will Help you Learn Chinese Faster!

1- Being in a love relationship with your Chinese speaking partner will immerse you in the culture
ChineseClass101 uses immersive methods and tools to teach you Chinese, but having a relationship with a native speaker will be a very valuable addition to your learning experience! You will gain exposure to their world, realtime and vividly, which will make the language come alive even more for you. The experience is likely to expand your world-view, which should motivate you to learn Chinese even faster.

2- Having your Chinese romantic partner will mean more opportunity to practice speaking
Nothing beats continuous practice when learning a new language. Your partner will probably be very willing to assist you in this, as your enhanced Chinese language skills will enhance the relationship. Communication is, after all, one of the most important pillars of a good partnership. Also, you will get to impress your lover with the knowledge gained through your studies – a win/win situation!

3- A supportive Chinese lover is likely to make a gentle, patient teacher and study aid!
With his/her heart filled with love and goodwill for you, your Chinese partner is likely to patiently and gently correct your mistakes when you speak. This goes not only for grammar, but also for accent and meaning. With his/her help, you could sound like a native in no time!

Three Reasons Why ChineseClass101 helps you learn Chinese Even Faster when you’re In Love

Start with a bonus, and download the ‘How To be a Good Lover Cheat Sheet’ for FREE! (Logged-In Member Only)

1- All the Resources and Materials Will Help Both of You
Falling in love with a man or woman speaking Chinese is an opportunity for both of you to learn a new language! For this reason, every lesson, transcript, vocabulary list, and resource at ChineseClass101 is translated into both English and Chinese. So, while your partner can help you learn Chinese faster, you can potentially also help him/her learn and master English!

2- Lessons Are Designed to Help You Understand and Engage with Chinese Culture
At ChineseClass101, our focus is to help our students learn practical vocabulary and phrases used by everyday people in China. This means that, from your very first lesson, you can apply what you learn immediately! So, when your Chinese partner wants to go out to a restaurant, play Pokemon Go, or attend just about any social function, you have the vocabulary and phrases necessary to have a great time!

3- Access to Special Resources Dedicated to Romantic Chinese Phrases
You now have access to ChineseClass101’s specially-developed sections and tools to teach you love words, phrases, and cultural insights to help you find and attract your Chinese soul mate. A personal tutor will assist you to master these brilliantly – remember to invite him/her to your wedding!

Updated on March 11, 2019

Love is a central part of life, perhaps even the most important! Expressing love in a foreign language can be difficult and require a good sense of the language, but starting from the word for love itself is a good idea. 

Character

The Chinese character for «love» or «to love» is 愛 in traditional Chinese, but it can also be written as 爱 in simplified Chinese. Traditional Chinese is more commonly used in Taiwan and Hong Kong, whereas simplified Chinese is used in mainland China.

The main difference between the two characters is that the simplified version does not have the component, 心. In Chinese, 心 (xīn) means «heart.» Thus, a running joke among advocates of traditional Chinese is that there is no «love» in places that use simplified Chinese because the character is stripped of its heart. 

愛 / 爱 can be used as a noun or as a verb—to love someone or to love doing something. The character is roughly used in the same manner as the Chinese character 喜欢, which means «like» or «to like.»

Pronunciation

The pinyin for 愛 / 爱 is «ài.» The character is pronounced in the 4th tone, and can also be referred to as ai4.

Sentence Examples Using Ài

Tā ài chàng gē.
他愛唱歌｡
他爱唱歌｡
He loves to sing.

Wǒ ài nǐ
我愛你
我爱你
I love you. 

Zhè shì yīgè àiqíng gùshì.
這是一個愛情故事。
这是一个爱情故事。
This is a love story.

Tāmen zài běijīng ài shàngle.
他們在北京愛上了。
他们在北京爱上了。
They fell in love in Beijing.

Chinese character (Beginner)

爱 (ài) Love

	Chinese Character: 爱 (ài) Love
拼音 (pīnyīn) pinyin: ài
笔画 (bĭhuà) number of strokes: 10
含义 (hányì) meaning: love
笔顺 (bǐshùn) stroke order:

部首 (bùshŏu) Radical: 爫

词源 (cíyuán) Etymology: In traditional Chinese, people write this character as «愛 (ài).» Now it is simplified to «爱 (ài).» The parts of «爫» and»夂» both mean actions. «心 (xīn)» means heart. So the Chinese character «爱» or «愛» means to love people through your actions and with your heart.

You can download this  Chinese input method, which is the best tool for learning Chinese Pinyin and characters.

(This Chinese input method can help you to use more Chinese characters effectively.)

爱的常用词语 (ài de chángyòng cíyŭ)

Frequently-used Chinese Words Or Phrases for Love:

我爱你 (wǒ ài nǐ) I love you

爱情 (àiqíng) love

母爱 (mǔài) maternal love

爱心 (àixīn) loving heart 

Examples: 

    Wǒ ài  nǐ!   Nǐ   kěyǐ  zuò wǒ de nǚpéngyǒu mā? 
1. 我爱你!  你可以做我的女朋友吗？
    I love you! Could you be my girlfriend?

    Tā sònggěi qīzǐ   yìméi jièzhi, zuòwéi àiqíng de xìnwù. 2. 他送给妻子一枚戒指，作为爱情的信物。(Take a Mini-test About “戒指 (Jièzhǐ).”)
    He gave his wife a ring as a token for his love.

    Mǔài shì shìjiè shàng zuì wěidà de ài.   
3. 母爱是世界上最伟大的爱。
    The greatest love in the world is maternal love.

    Zhǐyào dàjiā dōu xiànshàng yí fèn zhēnchéng de àixīn, shìjiè jiāng huì gèngjiā měihǎo. 
4. 只要大家都献上一份真诚的爱心, 世界将会更加美好。
    The world would be much better as long as everybody presents a sincere loving heart.

This Video Lesson Will Strengthen Your Knowledge About » 爱 Love»

生词 (shēnɡcí) vocabulary

妻子 (qīzǐ) n wife (Different ways to say “wife” in Chinese)

戒指 (jièzhǐ): n ring

世界 (shìjiè): n world

伟大 (wěidà): adj great

真诚 (zhēnchéng): adj sincere

Learning More about Chinese Writing:

Chinese Writing: 春 (chūn) Spring

Chinese Writing: 众 (zhòng) many

Chinese Writing: The Chinese Character 你 (nĭ) You

Study Chinese Writing: 兔 (tù) rabbit

You Might Be Interested in the Following Posts:

How Do Chinese Express Their Love?

“鹊桥仙” (Què qiáo xiān)- A Love Poem about Qi Xi

当男孩爱上女孩 (dāng nánhái ài shàng nǚhái) When a Boy Loves a Girl

General Chinese (Beginner Level)

General Chinese (Intermediate Level)

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I Love You In Chinese 💕 37 Phrases to Learn about Love

How do you say I Love You in Chinese? 

我爱你 – Wǒ ài nǐ

• 我 – I, Me
• 爱 – to love
• 你 – You

It’s a question asked A LOT – roughly 50,000 times a month according to Google search!

Rather than just giving you the translation, we are going one step further and to create a guide with some excellent alternatives, giving you the perfect back catalogue to not just express your love in Chinese, but much more!

How do you say I Love You in Chinese

How do you say I Like You in Chinese

How do you say Beautiful Girl in Chinese

How do you say Handsome Man in Chinese

Other ways of expressing Love in Chinese

What does 520 in Chinese mean?

How to break up in Chinese

How do you say Will You Marry Me in Chinese

The Friendzone in Chinese

Before we start, here’s a brilliant insight into how NOT to chat someone up in Chinese, and the top tip for winning that special someone. Thanks to our wonderful friend Keren at Unconventional Chinese for the video…

Play

How do you say I Love You in Chinese?

We already know this, but just to make sure…!

我爱你 – Wǒ ài nǐ

Simple and no frills, the direct translation exactly matches the English, something which is not always common when translating from Chinese to English and vice versa.

It is worth noting that although the word love is banded around in English a lot, in China this might not be the case.

In English we have a habit of telling our parents we love them, our friends we love them, our dog we love them, even our pizza we love it!

Not in Chinese – love is a strong word to use so only say it if you really mean it. You tell a Chinese person you love them, there’s no going back!

How do you say I Like You in Chinese?

我喜欢你 – Wǒ xǐhuān nǐ

Again, the translation is the literal from English with 喜欢 representing to like something/someone.

• 我喜欢他 – I like him
• 我喜欢她 – I like her
  • Note that the pinyin for both him and her is the same – Wǒ xǐhuān tā. Easy to remember and no embarrassing moments like non-native English speakers sometimes have with him and her!
• 我喜欢她的眼睛 – I like her eyes
• 我喜欢她的性格 – I like her personality

Plenty of uses for the word. Remember, as love is not so widely used in Chinese, it might be best to start out with using like instead of love.

Don’t believe us…

Check out our guide to dating in China.

How do you say Beautiful Girl in Chinese?

美女 – Měi nǚ

This is one you’ll hear quite a lot. Situations like browsing the markets looking for a bargain are a prime example.

Sorry to dumb it down, of course it’s a compliment, but perhaps it’s watered down a bit.

In English let’s say the equivalent might be calling someone darling/love/honey etc. You hear them, you respond to them, but it’s just what we are used to.

It’s always nice to be called a Beautiful Girl, because that’s what the translation is… but it is generic and said to many people!

How do you say Handsome Man in Chinese?

帅哥 – Shuài gē

Similarly to the above this is widely used, but also still a compliment.

The literal meaning is Handsome Brother (哥哥 meaning older brother).

It is used to state Handsome Man or Cute Boy.

So, remember, as nice as it is to receive these compliments, there’s probably a lot of other people who have heard the same!

Other ways of Expressing Liking and Love in Chinese

Of course sometimes you need to go beyond the Love and Like and vary it up a bit, so why not learn these to add a bit of variation to your armour.

How do you say I’m Interested In You in Chinese?

• 我对你感兴趣。
  • Wǒ duìnǐ gǎnxìngqu。
  • I’m fond of you / I’m interested in you

We use the 对 here to confirm the relationship between two things, in this case 我 and 你 (me and you).

After this the 感兴趣 simply translates to interested in and can be used for other things like:

• 我对足球感兴趣
  • I’m interested in football
• 我儿子对学外语很感兴趣
  • My son is really interested in learning foreign languages

How do you say I Really Like You in Chinese?

• 我非常喜欢你。
  • Wǒ fēicháng xǐhuān nǐ。
  • I like you very much.

If you are somewhere in between liking someone a bit, and dropping the L bomb, you might want to say you really like someone. It’s nice and simple.

We take what we learnt earlier and just add 非常 which means very/extremely/really. 非常好 meaning very good, 非常有意思 meaning very interesting.

How do you say You Mean So Much to Me in Chinese?

No one will ever tire of hearing a sentence like this after all!

• 你对我而言如此重要
  • Nǐ duì wǒ ér yán rúcǐ zhòngyào
  • You mean so much to me

Notice we’ve used the 对 grammar structure again to state the relationship between two things (you and your partner once again).

重要 is a useful word to learn and means important.

How do you say I Love You Too in Chinese?

• 我也爱你。
  • Wǒ yě ài nǐ。
  • I love you, too.

Very simple one here with just one addition from what we’ve already learnt.

也 means also so the translation is quite simple – I also love you.

Similarly 我也喜欢你 means I also like you/I like you too.

How do you say I’m Happy With You in Chinese?

Cranking it up a notch here but still pretty simple to learn when you break it down and practice speaking.

• 跟你在一起的时候好开心。
  • Gēn nǐ zài yīqǐ de shíhou hǎo kāixīn
  • When I’m with you I feel very happy

The sentence starts “with you” – 跟你

在一起 meaning “together“

的时候 meaning “when“

好开心 meaning “so happy“

The main grammatical thing to note is that when in Chinese (when used as a statement, and not a question), does not appear at the start of the sentence.

In a question, when appears at the start of the sentence as 什么时候, but in a statement, as above, 的时候 appears later in the sentence. Sounds confusing, but after a few examples you get used to it.

This is particularly awkward for English native speakers as the concept of using when later in a sentence is unheard of.

How do you say You’ve Stolen My Heart in Chinese?

• 你偷走了我的心。
  • Nǐ tōuzǒule wǒ de xīn
  • You have stolen my heart

Getting into super smooth talking territory now!

The translation is very simple because it matches the English!

• 你 – You
• 偷走了 – Stole
• 我的心 – My Heart

What does 520 in Chinese mean?

Confused? Let us explain

Chinese culture is incredibly interesting in many ways. The obsession with smart phones, although a worldwide thing, is particularly strong in China.

…and just to prove to you this obsession exists, here are some examples of “number slang”, because typing “I Love You” is too much effort anyway.

In fact, the diagnosis for this obsession is so strong, that the Chinese themselves have a name for this group of smart phone addicts which is a good one to teach you:

低头族 – Dītóu zú

Now you plug that into Google Translate and this is what you’ll get.

Doesn’t really shed much light does it. Let’s try one character at a time:

• 低 – Low/Hang down
• 头 – Head
• 族 – Clan/Race

Ok, makes a bit more sense now! It literally means the head bowing gang and is a new term used to coin Smartphone addicts – a large % of the Chinese population!

Why are we telling you this? 

We tell you this because these terms below are all used via message in place of words (via WeChat/Text/Whatsapp/Online etc).

They have been coined by Chinese and taken off, very much like when LOL, LMAO and ROFL came to prominence years ago (feeling old yet)!

Let’s discover some examples

• 520 because wǔ èr líng sounds like wǒ ài nǐ
  • Meaning – I love you 我爱你
• 530 because wǔ sān líng sounds like wǒ xiǎng nǐ
  • Meaning – I miss you 我想你
• 1314 because yī sān yī sì sounds like yī shēng yī shì
  • Meaning – Forever 一生一世
  • EXTRA TIP – Combine with I Love You to make 5201314… I love you forever. Smart bunch aren’t they!
• 770 because qī qī líng sounds like qīn qīn nǐ
  • Meaning – Kiss You 亲亲你
• 880 because bā bā líng sounds like bào bào nǐ
  • Meaning – Hug you 抱抱你

So remember, when feeling that typing I love you forever is too much effort, you can express it via numbers!

Discover the luckiest numbers in China here.

How to Break Up with Someone in Chinese?

Love isn’t all a bed of roses after all.

There may well be a day where you have to roll out the break up lines in Chinese – let’s hope for your sake you don’t need to use these!

First and foremost the key vocab to get in your head if you are ready to pull the plug is:

分手 Fēnshǒu – To break up/part ways

So putting that into a sentence, we’d say:

• 我想和你分手
  • Wǒ xiǎng hé nǐ fēnshǒu (I want to break up with you)

But what if you want to go into a bit more detail about why you are breaking up?

Here’s our guide…

How do you say We Need To Talk in Chinese?

• 我想和你谈一谈。/ 我们需要谈谈。
  • Wǒ xiǎng hé nǐ tán yī tán / Wǒmen xūyào tán tán
  • We need to talk.

Ah the writing is on the wall when you hear this one.

Four words no one wants to ever hear!

The grammar is pretty simple and either of the above suffices. The second example is probably the more simplistic of the two because the direct translation is:

We – Need – Talk

The first example holds the same meaning and if you drop either of these out, your partner’s heart will sink no slower!

Approach with caution!

Basic Mandarin 📣 105 Simple Phrases To Make Your Life Easier

Basic Mandarin Phrases – Learn the Chinese greetings and other basic phrases in minutes with our pocket guide for Chinese beginners,

How do you say It’s Not You It’s Me in Chinese?

It always feels a bit of a cop-out this one doesn’t it. As if there’s nothing more you could’ve done. It just wasn’t meant to be.

• 不是你，是我。
  • Bù shì nǐ, shì Wǒ .
  • It’s not you. It’s me.

Again, it’s a simple translation this one, with no complicated grammar structures or things to note.

是我 simply means it’s me. Adding the 不 in front of this makes it a negative. Job done.

How do you say Let’s Just Be Friends in Chinese?

A kick in the proverbials, they want you to hang around, but not for reasons you’d hoped. Never easy and almost certainly it never ends well.

• 我们只做朋友吧。
  • Wǒmen zhǐ zuò péngyǒu ba.
  • Let’s just be friends.

One little bit of grammar to pick up here is the 吧 which you might see and hear quite often.

吧 means OK, but not as a question, as a statement. So in effect you are saying, let’s just be friends, OK. No rhetorical question, just a simple, “that’s the situation, deal with it”.

Harsh!

How do you say I think we need a break in Chinese

Similar to that famous line that Ross drops on Friends. WE WERE ON A BREAK!

• 我认为我们需要冷静。
  • Wǒ rènwéi wǒmen xūyào lěngjìng.
  • I think we need a break.

Again the translation is literal from English so it’s nice and easy to remember when you have the vocab nailed!

• 认为 – Believe/Think
• 我们 – We
• 需要 – Need
• 冷静 – Calm/Cool

How do you say I need my space in Chinese

A bit too full on? Need your partner to back off a bit, this is the perfect line for that awkward situation.

• 我需要自己的空间。
  • Wǒ xūyào zìjǐ de kōngjiān
  • I need my space

Key words to pick up here are:

• 空间 – Space
• 自己 – Yourself

How do you say Will You Marry Me in Chinese?

Not breaking up? Then the chances are you’ll be tying the knot one day in the future!

How do you propose in Chinese though?

• 你愿意嫁给我吗
  • Nǐ yuànyì jià gěi wǒ ma
  • Will you marry me

愿意 meaning wish/want/like and 嫁 meaning to marry (a woman). This statement assumes it’s the male proposing!

If the female decides to make the bold move then she would say：

你愿意娶我吗 – Nǐ yuànyì qǔ wǒ ma

The 娶 means to take a wife.

Of course these aren’t the only ways to drop the bomb, you would also suffice using:

• 和我结婚，好吗?
  • Hé wǒ jiéhūn, hǎo ma
  • Literally “Marry me, OK?”

A more presumptuous way would be to use:

• 我们结婚吧
  • Wǒmen jiéhūn ba
  • Let’s get married

This might be used if perhaps you both know it’s coming, with zero element of surprise and you know the chance of rejection is very slim to nothing!

How do you talk about the Friendzone in Chinese?

When you like the person who is laying bare his heart (表白 Biǎobái) to you it’s wonderful, but what to do when this happens and you’re just not feeling it?

The answer is in the awkward purgatory of the FRIENDZONE.

Explaining to the other person you don’t see him/her in a romantic context, ideally without hurting their feelings any more than necessary is not easy.

It’s already a real challenge when speaking your mother tongue, so how to friendzone someone in Chinese?

The literal translation for the term “Friendzone” in Chinese is:

• 朋友区(朋友 Péngyǒu = friend 区 qū = area).

Therefore, if you want to say “I’ve been friendzoned ” you’d say:

• 我被放到了朋友区里面 (wǒ bèi fàng dàole péngyǒu qū lǐmiàn)

Or “I’m stuck in the Friend zone” you’d say:

• 我卡在朋友区 (wǒ kǎ zài péngyǒu qū).

Then, you might also need to say you want to get out of the friend-zone:

• 我要逃脱朋友区 (wǒ yào táotuō péngyǒu qū)

Or you want to escape the friend-zone:

• 我要走出朋友区 (wǒ yào zǒuchū péngyǒu qū).

Although the term “friendzone” is (朋友区) is becoming more and more popular amongst the young generation in China, there is another expression which describes this kind of situation:

• 发好人卡 (Fā hǎorén kǎ). Literally – to give someone the “nice-person card”

As you can easily imagine it came from the typical scenario of someone turning down an admirer by saying:

• 你是个好人，我们还是当朋友吧！Nǐ shìgè hǎorén, wǒmen háishì dāng péngyǒu ba! “You are a nice guy, but …we’d better remain friends”.

I Love You In Chinese – Conclusion

So there you have it – I Love You in Chinese and so much more! Let’s round them up below:

• 
• 
• 
• 

… and just to finally round it all off, another guide on what NOT to do when chatting up.

Lesson here, don’t trust your friends!

Play

And last but certainly not least, why not take your language skills to a whole new level and find out how to express your love and affection in Vietnamese and also Japanese as well!

Love in China – FAQ’s

How do you say “Love at first sight” in Chinese?
Is dating in China different to the west?

There will be cultural differences that you should be aware of when dating a Chinese national in China. It’s important to respect these cultural differences as certain behaviours can be very different to that of the western world.

For example, saying I Love You can happen far quicker in China than in the west. Wearing matching clothes is a common occurrence with couples in China also. There are many differences that it’s useful to familiarize yourself with.

Can I get married in China?

From April 1st 2019, two foreigners are not allowed to register their marriage at the Civil Affairs offices in China.

However, a marriage between a foreigner and a Chinese national are allowed.

How do you say “did it hurt when you fell out of heaven” in Chinese?

你从天而降的时候, 有没有受伤？

Nǐ cóngtiān’érjiàng de shíhou, yǒu méiyǒu shòushāng?

Are wedding ceremonies in China like the west?

Chinese weddings are generally very different to western weddings.

An example of this is photographs. In the west, the photographs take place just before or after the ceremony, on the same day. In China usually the couple will have a wedding album prepared before their wedding. This will include pictures of the couple around some famous hotspots or places that mean something to them. This album is then on show for guests at the wedding.

What are the common colours at a Chinese wedding?

Gold is one of the most commonly used colours because it represents wealth and fortune. However the most common colour at a Chinese wedding is Red.

Red plays a crucial role in Chinese weddings. Red is associated with success, honour and loyalty to name but a few.

White is to be avoided. White is actually associated with funerals. Dark colours like black, gray, and dark blue, are also not included.

Do you often see Chinese/Foreign couples in China?

In the bigger cities especially these couples are becoming more and more common.

Gone are the days when you are stared at for dating someone of a different race. The smaller cities of China, you may well attract more attention but with Shanghai and Shenzhen especially (Beijing/Guangzhou etc also) the number of foreigners is growing and therefore, so is the number of Chinese/Foreigner couples.

Can a foreigner become a Chinese citizen?

Yes they can. To apply a foreigner must satisfy some/all of the following criteria:

1 – Have close relatives who are Chinese nationals.

2 – Have settled in China

3 – Have other genuine reasons for applying for citizenship.

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Chinese Dating Culture

Although this is slowly beginning to change, there is a huge emphasis on women marrying early in Chinese culture. According to Chinese traditions, if you’re a woman of 28 and you’re still not married, you might as well give up and accept the title of 剩女 (shèng nǚ). While men have a few extra years to settle down, once you hit your late twenties and you’re still single, mom might have a friend whose daughter is 很漂亮 (hěn piào liang). Since there’s lots of pressure to get married from parents and family members, dating is an important part of Chinese culture.

For many young Chinese people, the ‘M’ word is already on their minds when going on a date. ‘Compatibility’ is a big issue when choosing a partner, and it can be said that even in the modern-day, marriage can often be a pragmatic decision rather than one based on love or romance. For many Chinese women, a man needs to have good prospects and be able to buy an apartment and a car.

Here are some useful vocabulary words for going on a date, telling someone you like them, and maybe fancying a little bit more…

Language of Love

来电 (lái diàn) Chemistry

打情骂俏 (dǎ qíng mà qiào) to flirt

暗恋 (àn liàn) To have a crush on

明恋 (míng liàn) to love

痴迷 (chī mí) Infatuated/obsessed

痴情 (chī qíng) infatuated

表白 (biǎo bái) / 告白 (gào bái) to express feelings

确定关系 (què dìng) to confirm a relationship

专一 (zhuān yī) one-track mind (focused on one thing)

暧昧 (ài mèi) and 暧昧关系 (ài mèi guān xì) were previously used in the negative sense, of having an affair or shady relationship, however, it is not more commonly used to describe a relationship that hasn’t begun yet and the couple has yet to confirm their relationship ‘status’.

爱人 (ài ren) / 情人 (qíng rén) Lover

宝贝 (bǎo bèi) / 北鼻 (běi bí)  Baby

宝宝 (bǎo bǎo) Darling

亲爱的 (qīn ài de) Darling/dear/honey

小甜甜 (xiǎo tián tián) Sweetie/sweetheart

老公 (lǎo gōng) Husband (Woman call their boyfriend or husband)

老婆 (lǎo pó) / 媳妇 (xí fù) Wife (Man call their girlfriend or wife)

女朋友 (nǚ péng you) Girlfriend

男朋友 (nán péng you) Boyfriend

太太 (tài tai) / 妻子 (qī zi) / 老婆 (lǎo pó) Wife

先生 (xiān sheng) / 丈夫 (zhàng fu) / 老公 (lǎo gong) Husband

美女 (měi nǚ) Beautiful girl

帅哥 (shuài ge) Handsome guy

Flirting in Chinese

我喜欢你。(wǒ xǐ huan nǐ) I like you.

我想你。(wǒ xiǎng nǐ) I miss you.

我爱你。 (wǒ ài nǐ) I love you.

我好想你。(wǒ hǎo xiǎng nǐ) I miss you so much.

你最好了。(nǐ zuì hǎo le) You are the best.

我为你疯狂。(wǒ wèi nǐ fēng kuáng) I’m crazy about you!

Learn more romantic phrases with ChinesePod’s video lessons.

你看起来真棒！(nǐ kàn qǐ lái zhēn bàng) You look amazing!

我想更了解你。(wǒ xiǎng gèng liǎo jiě nǐ) I want to get to know you better.

我很高兴。(wǒ hěn gāo xìng) I’m so happy!

你很可爱。(nǐ hěn kě ài) You’re very cute.

你很漂亮。(nǐ hěn piào liang) You’re very pretty.

你很美。(nǐ hěn měi) You’re very beautiful.

很迷人。(hěn mí rén) Very charming

你很性感！(nǐ hěn xìng gǎn) You’re so sexy!

你的身材很美。(nǐ de shēn cái hěn měi) You have a beautiful body!

你的眼睛很美。(nǐ de yǎn jing hěn měi) Your eyes are beautiful!

我喜欢你的...(wǒ xǐ huan nǐ de) I like your…

眼睛 (yǎn jing) eyes

头发 (tóu fa) hair

声音 (shēng yīn) voice

你很甜。(nǐ hěn tián) You’re very sweet

你变发型了。(nǐ biàn fà xíng le) You changed your hair.

Chinese Dating Words

我想和你约会。(wǒ xiǎng hé nǐ yuē huì) I‘d like to take you out (on a date).

我买单！(wǒ mǎi dān) Let me pay!

我们AA制吧！(wǒ men AA zhì ba) Let’s go dutch! (split the bill)

你想跳舞吗？(nǐ xiǎng tiào wǔ ma) Would you like to dance?

陪我好吗？(péi wǒ hǎo ma) Would you accompany me?

我送你回家。(wǒ sòng nǐ huí jiā) I’ll see you home.

我今天晚上过得很开心。(wǒ jīn tiān wǎn shang guò de hěn kāi xīn)  I had a really nice night.

Proposing in Chinese

我是你的。(wǒ shì nǐ de)  I’m yours.

你是我的。(nǐ shì wǒ de) You’re mine.

我不想离开你。(wǒ bù xiǎng lí kāi nǐ) I don’t want to leave you!

我不能没有你。(wǒ bù néng méi yǒu nǐ)  I can’t live without you.

我们结婚吧！(wǒ men jié hūn ba) Let’s get married!

我想嫁给你！(wǒ xiǎng jià gěi nǐ) I want to marry you! (for women only)

我想娶你！(wǒ xiǎng qǔ nǐ) I want to marry you! (for men only)

我愿意！(wǒ yuàn yì) I do.

一见钟情 (yī jiàn zhōngqíng) fall in love at first sight

日久生情 (rì jiǔ shēng qíng) Love will come in time.

执子之手，与子偕老。(zhí zǐ zhī shǒu, yǔ zǐ xié lǎo) To stay together till death.

未婚夫 (wèi hūn fū) fiancé

未婚妻 (wèi hūn qī) fiancée

You can learn more about Chinese weddings in our article The 6 Etiquettes of a Traditional Chinese Wedding Ceremony.

Sexy Time

我要你。(wǒ yào nǐ) I want you.

闭上眼睛。(bì shang yǎn jing) Close your eyes.

张开眼睛。(zhāng kāi yǎn jing) Open your eyes.

吻我。(wěn wǒ) Kiss me.

抱我。(bào wǒ)  Hug me.

留下来。(liú xià lái) Stay here.

靠近我。(kào jìn wǒ) Come closer.

我想做爱。(wǒ xiǎng zuò ài) I want to make love.

好极了。(hǎo jí le) Great!

我有点紧张。(wǒ yǒu diǎn jǐn zhāng) I’m a bit nervous.

不要紧张。(bù yào jǐn zhāng) Don’t be nervous.

咬我！ (yǎo wǒ) Bite me!

舔我！ (tiǎn wǒ) Lick me!

轻一点。(qīng yī diǎn) Softer

温柔一点。(wēn róu yī diǎn) More tender.

使劲一点。(shǐ jìn yī diǎn) Stronger

正常体位。(zhèng cháng tǐ wèi) Missionary

女上位。 Girl on top (nǚ shàng wèi)

后入。(hòu rù) Doggie style

感觉太棒了。(gǎn jué tài bàng le) I feel so good!

你做的很好。 (nǐ zuò de hěn hǎo) You did that so well!

再来一次。 (zài lái yī cì) One more time.

If you want to up your spoken Chinese game, I really suggest taking a look at our friends over at MandarinHQ. They have a tool called the Real Spoken Chinese Vault, and it basically introduces you to lots of different ways to say essential Chinese phrases. The recordings come from real Chinese people that come from all over China, so you’ll also experience different dialects too. We have a special offer that’s exclusive to Written Chinese readers too (heads up, if you do purchase the Real Spoken Chinese Vault, we do get commission, but it’s at no extra cost to you)!

See how the Real Spoken Chinese Vault works, or check out our review.

By the way, it’s lifetime access to the vault and updates once you’re in!