Learning how to express love is important in any language, and even more so in English, as many people speak English and it is sometimes the only language in common two people can find. If they happen to fall in love with one another, then English ends up being their main means of communication.
Whether you are in love with a native English speaker, speak English with your lover, or are just curious, we will cover all the important phrases you need to express your love in English.
- “I Love You” in English
- Terms of Endearment
- I Miss You
- Hugs and Kisses
- English Love Phrases
- Romantic English Phrases Poster – print and/or share!
“I Love You” in English
There are many different ways to say “I love you” in English, and some are less serious than others. Let’s start from the lowest level of affection and work our way up.
I like you – People like friends and co-workers. This is a good place to start with someone. If you like someone more than as a friend, you should emphasize that, e.g., “I like you more than as a friend.”
I have a crush on you – This means that you secretly like someone more than as a friend. You really want to ask them out, but you are a bit afraid to do so. It remains a crush until you find out if they like you.
I really like you – This you would say to someone that you like more than as a friend. It is a good way to hint that you want something more out of the relationship without directly asking them out.
I am totally into you – This means you are really into someone and are probably starting to fall in love with them.
I love you – This you say to your partner/husband/wife, child, and family members. Some families say “I love you” to each other more than others.
I love you so much – You love the person a lot.
I’m madly in love with you – You would only say this to your partner/husband/wife/lover, as it means you not only love them, but you also can’t get them off of your mind.
Terms of Endearment
Terms of endearment are the sweet names you call your partner/husband/wife/lover when it would be odd to constantly call them by their name. Instead, you can often hear people using these types of words.
Honey – Very common. Sweetheart – Someone who has a sweet heart is very nice and kind. Darling – This comes from the old English for “dear.” Honey bunny – Another cute phrase, less common than honey. Sweetie – Very common. Babe – Very common. Bae – Very new, used among young people and teenagers. Stands for “Before Anybody Else.”
I Miss You
What do you say when you can’t wait to see someone again and you yearn for them? Well, then you are going to want to tell them that you miss them!
I miss you… …a lot …so much …already
You can also reply: I miss you too.
Other expressions for missing someone
I can’t wait to see you (again).
I wish you were here – This phrase is common on postcards, as a way to tease someone when you are on vacation and they are not.
Hugs & Kisses
XOXO – This means “Kiss Hug Kiss Hug” and is common to see at the end of letters or in text messages. It is pronounced “x-o-x-o.”
Hugs! – Can still be used today, though it is quickly being replaced with 🤗
Kisses! – When you are communicating by text message or email and the person isn’t near you or you won’t see them soon.
Sending you hugs and kisses – Not used as much; it is more common to see XOXO or 😘
May I have a kiss? – Sometimes it is good to ask, but you don’t always have to, depending on the circumstances. Usually, people show it via body language.
Are you a hugger? – Not all people like giving hugs, while some people only want to hug when greeting. You may hear this phrase when someone wants to ask if it is OK to hug you.
English Love Phrases
Now you know the basics for saying “I love you,” how to express when you miss someone, some fun nicknames to call your lover, and hugs and kisses. Now let’s dive into some other romantic phrases in English that you may need.
Would you go out with me? – When you like someone more than as a friend and want to get to know them, you ask them out on a date.
Would you join me for dinner? – This may or may not sound like a date, depending on the context. Usually, first dates are around dinner, when you already know the person. First dates arranged online are usually more casual than dinner.
I’d love to spend more time with you – When you like someone but don’t want to ask them out directly. This will clearly give them the message that you are interested.
You are the man/woman of my dreams – This is what you tell someone after you have fallen in love and are sure they are “the one.” If you say it too soon you may scare them off.
It was love at first sight. I fell in love with you at first sight – Love at first sight is when you fall in love with someone the first time you see them.
Let’s Netflix and chill – This means to hang out and watch Netflix, though it has been used to mean something more than just that, because usually two people who like each other end up making out (kissing) instead of watching the movie.
I don’t want to live without you – This is pretty intense. Only say it when you are ready to marry the person.
I’m crazy about you – This can be intense too, but is usually said at the beginning of a relationship when the love is really strong.
I love you from the bottom of my heart – This is a very pure expression and is usually a sign of a strong relationship. It is more reliable than “I’m crazy about you.”
We are meant for each other – This means you are a very good match and get along well.
I’ve totally fallen for you – The person has fallen in love with you.
Do you want to go steady? – After going on a few dates, when you are sure you want to be only with this person for a while, you can ask this question. This officially makes them your boyfriend/girlfriend.
Will you move in with me? – You ask this when you want your partner to live with you.
You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me – A very sweet phrase to say to someone you love.
I want to spend the rest of my life with you – Usually something you say when you are proposing to someone.
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Romantic English Phrases Poster
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