Using the right words to express your love is no easy feat, especially in a foreign language. For example, saying “I love you” in Japanese is less straightforward than you might think. You’ve probably heard of 愛してる (aishiteru) as the go-to phrase for “I love you”, but make sure you read this article before using it.
There are nuances to expressing your love for someone so we must consider cultural context and learn a few phrases for different situations. In this article, we’ll explore 5 ways to say "I love you" in Japanese, including their formal and informal variations, pronunciation, and when you may want to use them.
Japanese culture values politeness and indirect communication, and these values shape how people express love. While Western cultures openly say "I love you" to partners, friends, and family, in Japan, emotions are more often conveyed through actions than words. Even married couples may rarely express their love explicitly. Instead, they might show affection through thoughtful gestures like giving gifts and doing favors, offering compliments, or simply spending time together.
For this reason, the expression 愛してる (aishiteru) that you might have heard in Japanese songs, movies, and literature can sound overly dramatic when used in everyday conversation. So, let’s explore some subtle ways to express your love with words.
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Early on, love expressions tend to be lighter and more indirect, while stronger, more serious declarations come later. From casual crushes to deep, lifelong commitments, here are five ways to say “I love you” in Japanese, ordered from lighthearted to more serious.
Formal: 好きです (Suki desu)
Informal: 好きだ (Suki da)
好き suki, meaning "like," is often used at the beginning of a relationship or when expressing affection more casually. You can also use it to talk about things you enjoy. For example, "ラーメンが好きです" (Rāmen ga suki desu) means "I like ramen." When directed at a person, it can imply romantic interest but it’s still ambiguous, making it a great choice if you’re expressing your interest in someone for the first time. Want to make a great first impression? Check out common Japanese greetings to start conversations smoothly!
Formal: 大好きです (daisuki desu)
Informal: 大好きだ (daisuki da)
If you're wondering how to say “I love you so much” in Japanese, you can modify the previous phrase to take it to the next level. Here, 大 (dai) means "big" or "great," so 大好き (daisuki) can be translated as "I really like you" or even "I love you a lot" in a playful, lighthearted way. This phrase isn’t limited to romance, but couples often use it to express their love for each other.
Formal: 一緒にいたいです (Issho ni itai desu)
Informal: 一緒にいたい (Issho ni itai)
This phrase translates to "I want to be together" and is often used in romantic contexts. It’s a step beyond just liking someone; it expresses a desire to spend time with them, making it a great phrase for couples. If you’d like to make it more romantic, you can say ずっと一緒にいたい (zutto issho ni itai), meaning “I want to be with you forever”.
Formal: 大事にしたいです (Daiji ni shitai desu)
Informal: 大事にしたい (Daiji ni shitai)
The word 大事 (daiji) means "important" or "precious," so this phrase conveys a deep appreciation and care for someone. It’s an intimate way of saying you value them and want to treat them well, often used in long-term relationships.
Formal: 愛しています (aishiteimasu)
Informal: 愛してる (aishiteru)
This is the closest equivalent to "I love you" in Japanese, but it’s not used as casually as in English. It’s typically reserved for serious, committed relationships—think married couples or deeply devoted partners. The "i" in している (shiteiru) is often dropped in speech, making 愛してる (aishiteru) the more common spoken form.
When it comes to saying "I love you" in Japanese, less is often more, and context matters a lot. Whether you’re confessing your feelings to a crush or deepening a relationship, knowing the right phrase can help you express your love naturally. Learning the five phrases above is a great start, and they should cover you for most situations. But remember, in Japanese, actions often speak louder than words so complement these phrases with loving gestures. If you want to continue mastering the language of love, we have plenty more articles to help you on your journey. Next, check out these tips for writing a love letter in another language!
The three most common ways to express I love you in Japanese are:
Aishitemasu is the formal version of aishiteru, or I love you in Japanese. Just like its more casual form, it’s not thrown around casually. This form would be rarely heard in conversation and more common at wedding ceremonies or similarly serious situations.
Yes, but not as frequently as in Western cultures. Japanese people often rely on actions or subtler expressions like "suki desu" or “daisuki desu” instead.
Not exactly. In romantic settings, it can be used in this way but it translates literally to “I really like”. While couples often use this expression to confess their love, it doesn’t carry the exact sentiment of “I love you” in English.
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