The word i love you in chinese

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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?

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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!

Do you know how to say «I love you» in Chinese?

Plug it into Google Translate, and the answer that comes up is “我爱你” (wǒ ài nǐ.) Easy peasy.

Except that Chinese people don’t actually say this to each other.

Growing up in a full Chinese household, my parents never said “我爱你” to me. They would always switch to English and then say “I love you,” and even then they did so sparingly. Chalking it up to my immigrant parents trying to learn English, I gradually got used to lack of the word “爱” in our Chinese conversations. It wasn’t until I spent a great deal of time in my friends’ American families that I realized how infrequent our usage was in comparison.

And from reading some articles online, it was clear that I wasn’t alone.

When asked why phrases with the word “爱” were rarely said, (outside of pop lyrics, that is) most Chinese people respond with “it’s too strong.” The Business Insider reports that an online video of children telling their parents “我爱你” went viral in 2014, and one parent even responds bluntly, “Are you drunk?”

So, why do Chinese people have such an aversion to saying these words? For a country that is known for being direct, it seems strange that they would shy away from this sort of expression. Some people believe it’s a cultural thing. “They are used to educating children with negative language” says Xia Xueluan, a Sociologist from Peking University. Similarly, a psychology study on 18 college students in Beijing found that Chinese people may exercise more restraint when dealing with romantic feelings. An fMRI study revealed that Chinese people may have a conditioned response to romance based on years of tradition.

Usually to express romantic feelings, Chinese people would say “我喜欢你” instead. Here are some phrases that are used to confess to someone.

我喜欢你 (wǒ xǐ huān nǐ) = “I like you.”

我希望和你交往 (wǒ xī wàng hé nǐ jiāo wǎng) = “I would for us to date.”

Saying “I love you” in English might be an even more common way to express your feelings for someone in China. A young Chinese financier said, “For us, ‘’I love you,’ is beautiful in its brevity, universality, and vagueness in another language.”

Many Chinese people prefer doing something nice through their actions to show someone they care. Having never told her father «I love you» face to face, a 31-year old woman collected photos of her and her father that span three decades and presented them in an album. (China Daily)

What is popular in China right now is to use numbers in text messages. These numbers sound like specific Chinese words and are a form of chat speak among younger generations. This is a more subtle way to tell someone your feelings, and are basically the Xs and Os in Chinese.

520 (wǔ èr líng) = 我爱你 (wǒ ài nǐ) “I love you.”

530 (wǔ sān líng) ＝ 我想你 (wǒ xiǎng nǐ) “I miss you.”

770 (qī qī líng) = 亲亲你 (qīn qīn nǐ) “Kiss you.”

880 (bā bā líng) =  抱抱你 (bào bào nǐ) “Hug you.”

1314 (yī sān yī sì) = 一生一世 (yī shēng yī shì) “Always / forever.” Often combined with 520 so that it becomes 5201314, or “I’ll love you forever.”

In fact, these numbers are so popular that some shops will use them to price their items, or even pay extra to have these digits in their phone numbers. Which makes sense, as these numbers are easy to remember.

A flower shop called «520»

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So this Valentine’s Day, try texting your Valentine 5201314.

ABOUT TUTORabc Chinese

Do you want to learn how to say I love you in Chinese? We are going to explore some of the most authentic and genuine words to express feelings to our loved ones. It is important to say I love you while keeping the Chinese culture in mind so that you can use the right phrase to express your feelings.

If you are looking for ways to say I love you in Chinese, remember, there are plenty of words that can be used to express your emotions. Before expressing what you actually feel, you need to know the Chinese culture first.

There is a quick checklist carrying all the prominent phrases that can be used to say I love you in Chinese. Following are some of the terms used to express love and emotions:

• Love: 爱 (ài)
• I love you: 我爱你 (wǒ ài nǐ)
• I like you (romantically): 我喜欢你 (wǒ xǐhuan nǐ)
• I miss you: 我想你 (wǒ xiǎng nǐ)
• You are beautiful: 你很美丽。 (nǐ hěn měilì)
• You are handsome: 你好帅！ (nǐ hǎo shuài!)
• “I love u” (Chinese text slang) (五二零, wǔ’èr líng)
• I like being with you: 我喜欢和你在一起。(wǒ xǐhuān hé nǐ zài yīqǐ)

Before going to your partner in order to express your feelings, you need to sit back and make the choice of the right words. Sometimes, we also express our love and gratitude to our friends. The love phrases used for the partner cannot surely be used while expressing love to a friend. This guide will prepare you to connect with your loved ones in the purest form.

Let us start with the word ‘love’, how it is used in Chinese, and its implications.

Saying love in Chinese

爱 (ài) in Chinese is one of the most common ways to express your love interest. It is most widely used to express romantic feelings. But, 爱 (ài) doesn’t necessarily mean romantic love, it can also be used for family love.

The phrase 我喜欢你 (wǒ xǐhuan nǐ) means “I like you” and is used in Chinese to express love to other relations but if it is for the love interest, it actually means ‘I love you’.

As we have discussed earlier, 我喜欢你 (wǒ xǐhuan nǐ) is the most common way to express love in Chinese, and saying 我爱你 (wǒ ài nǐ) – “I love you” is not wrong either.

Saying ‘I love you too’ in response to ‘I love you’ is also a common practice. So, if your boyfriend or girlfriend says 我爱你 (wǒ ài nǐ) – I love you, you can respond by saying 也爱你 (wǒ yě aì nǐ) that means “I love you too”.

We normally use the words ‘extremely’ or ‘very much’ with I love you. So how are you going to add these words while saying I love you in Chinese? Here are some appropriate ways:

• 非常 (fēicháng) – “very much” or “extremely”
• 那么 (nàme) – “so very much”
• 是如此 (shì rúcǐ) – literally “in that way”, but in this context “so much”.

Saying “My love” in Chinese

The literal translation of ‘my love’ in Chinese is 我的爱人 (wǒ de àirén), which also means “my lover”. While holding a real conversation, you will most probably use the words 亲爱的 (qīn’ài de) which means “beloved” or even “darling/dear”.

Saying “My Baby” in Chinese

Both the words 宝宝 (bǎobǎo) and 宝贝 (bǎobèi) mean “baby” while 宝贝 (bǎobèi) also means “treasure”. It is a common practice to use words like ‘baby’ in a relationship. In Chinese, you can use both the words 宝宝 (bǎobǎo) and 贝贝 (bèibèi) to call your partner ‘baby’.

Saying “My Heart” in Chinese

心肝 (xīngān) means ‘my heart’ in Chinese.  This word is normally used for the person whom you cannot live without. Calling someone 心肝 (xīngān) means your survival is difficult without them.

Other common words that can be used for your life partner are 老婆 (lǎopó) and 老公 (lǎogōng) which mean “wifey” and “hubby”, respectively. These are some cute ways to express your love towards your husband or wife.

Saying “I Miss You” in Chinese

We truly believe that telling someone that you miss them is the purest form of expressing emotions. 我想你 (wǒ xiǎng nǐ) means both “I miss you” and “I am thinking of you”. 我想你 (wǒ xiǎng nǐ) can be used to express your emotion when you miss someone’s presence.

If we dig into the literal translation 想 (xiǎng) means “to want”, but the Chinese do not prefer to say ‘I want you’ rather they prefer saying ‘I miss you’ or ‘I am thinking about you’.

Saying “You Are Beautiful” in Chinese

It is essential to keep Chinese tones in mind while calling someone beautiful or handsome. Every culture has its own ways of praising people. While visiting China, you will, most probably, hear sentences like:

• 你好帅！(nǐ hǎo shuài!) – “You’re (so) handsome!”
• 你很迷人！(nǐ hěn mírén!) – “You’re (so) charming!”
• 穿衣服真配你！(chuān yīfú zhēn pèi nǐ!) – “You look great in those clothes!”

These are some common ways to praise people you like or find beautiful. It is a common way to say “you’re beautiful” in order to praise a Chinese woman. Chinese women consider modesty as their biggest treasure so it is appropriate to use indirect techniques to praise their beauty.

For instance, you can try saying:

• 你的眼睛里有故事。(nǐ de yǎnjīngli yǒu gùshì) – literally, “There is a story in your eyes.” But in this context, it’s something along the lines of “Your eyes are so deep, it seems like they tell a thousand stories.” or even “I’m so lost in your eyes.”
• 太阳升起只是为了看到你的微笑。(tàiyáng shēng qǐ zhǐshì wèile kàn dào nǐ de wéixiào) – “The sun rises just to see you smile”.

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Saying “Boyfriend” in Chinese

Just like English, it is a combination of the word “boy” or “male” – 男 (nán) and the word “friend” – 朋友 (péngyǒu). Together they make 男朋友 (nánpéngyǒu) – “boyfriend”. The word used to say husband in Chinese is 丈夫 (zhàngfū) while it is also a common practice to use 对象 (duìxiàng) which means ‘beau’.

Saying “Girlfriend” in Chinese

The word ‘girlfriend’ is also a combination of two words i.e. “girl”– 女 (nǚ) and “friend” – 朋友 (péngyǒu) – 女朋友 (nǚpéngyǒu). While the word for “wife” in Chinese is 妻子 (qīzi).

Conclusion

There are several direct and indirect ways to say I love you in Chinese but using these words can surely make your love confession sweeter. Chinese people believe in showing the authenticity of their emotions. There are several phrases in Chinese, for instance, there are several phrases to say good luck in Chinese. You need to evaluate your situation before selecting a particular phrase for you.

If you want to learn more about Chinese culture, Chinese characters, Chinese grammar, pronunciation, or Chinese vocabulary, book a lesson plan with italki today. With the right guidance, you will become fluent in Chinese within no time.