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77 Ways to Say “I Love You” in Japanese Like a Native Speaker
Japanese is a beautiful language—and one of the reasons why is because there are numerous ways to say “I love you” in Japanese.
Some phrases will score you a flattered Japanese 彼女 (かのじょ, girlfriend), while others should be reserved strictly for marriage.
In this blog post, you’ll learn 77 ways to say “I love you” in Japanese for every scenario—whether you’re preparing to ask your Japanese crush out for the first time or about to get down on one knee.
Contents
- How to Say “I Love You” to Romantic Partners
- How to Say “I Love You” and “I Like You” to Friends and Family
- How to Say “Will You Marry Me?” in Japanese
- Romantic Phrases in Japanese
- Japanese Love Quotes
- Japanese Love Songs
- Saying “I Love You” in Japanese Culture
Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)
How to Say “I Love You” to Romantic Partners
How do I love you? Let me count the ways!
In Japanese, the most heartfelt way to tell someone that you love them is actually by telling them that you like them! Literally, 大好き (だいすき) means to like something. You can even use it to talk about the objects you love, like food, games, sports, art, music, etc.
But when you say it to someone who you truly love in a romantic way, it’s a way of expressing your deep love for them.
That’s why, even if we may say “I really like you” to platonic friends in the West, this isn’t the case in Japan.
There are many other ways to say “I love you,” with various degrees of formality and extremities:
| Japanese | Furigana | Romaji | English meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 好きです | すきです | Suki desu | I like you/I love you (general expression) |
| 大好きです | だいすきです | Daisuki desu | I really like you/I love you (general expression) |
| 大好きだ | だいすきだ | Dai suki da | I love you (literally: I really like you) |
| 大好きよ | だいすきよ | Dai suki yo | I love you (feminine, literally: I really like you) |
| 大好きだよ | だいすきだよ | Dai suki da yo | I love you (masculine, literally: I really like you) |
| 愛しています | あいしています | Aishiteimasu | I love you (formal expression) |
| 愛してるよ | あいしてるよ | Aishiteru yo | I love you (casual expression) |
| 好きやねん！ | すき や ねん！ | Suki ya nen | I like ya! (Osaka dialect) |
| あなたに夢中です | あなた に むちゅう です | Anata ni muchū desu | I'm crazy about you |
| 心から愛しています | こころからあいしています | Kokoro kara aishiteimasu | I love you from the bottom of my heart |
| あなたが好きです | あなたがすきです | Anata ga suki desu | I like/love you (directed towards "you") |
| 恋しています | こいしています | Koishiteimasu | I'm in love with you |
| 愛していると伝えたい | あいしているとつたえたい | Aishite iru to tsutaetai | I want to convey that I love you |
| あなたに夢中 | あなたにむちゅう | Anata ni muchuu | I'm captivated by you |
| 君がいて幸せ | きみがいてしあわせ | Kimi ga ite shiawase | I'm happy when you're around |
| 惚れ直した | ほれなおした | Horenaoshita | I fell in love with you all over again |
| あなたとなら何でもできる | あなたとならなんでもできる | Anata to nara nandemo dekiru | I can do anything as long as I'm with you |
| 永遠に愛し続ける | えいえんにあいしつづける | Eien ni aishi tsuzukeru | I will continue to love you forever |
| 好きになってくれてありがとう | すきになってくれてありがとう | Suki ni natte kurete arigatou | Thank you for falling in love with me |
| 君のことを愛してる | きみのことをあいしてる | Kimi no koto o aishiteru | I love you (emphasizing "you") |
| ずっと一緒にいたい | ずっといっしょにいたい | Zutto issho ni itai | I want to be with you forever |
How to Say “I Love You” and “I Like You” to Friends and Family
So if you can’t tell your friends and family that you like them, how can you express your love for them?
In many cases, you don’t use words. The best way to show your friends that you love them is to, well, show them. You might do something nice for your mom to show her your appreciation or take your best friend out shopping to show him that you care.
But if you still want to put your feelings in words, you can use these neutral, platonic expressions of affection:
| Japanese | Furigana | Romaji | English meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| ずっと友達だね | ずっとともだちだね | Zutto tomodachi da ne | We'll be friends forever, right? |
| 君と一緒で幸せ | きみといっしょでしあわせ | Kimi to issho de shiawase | I'm happy when I'm with you |
| いつもありがとう | いつもありがとう | Itsumo arigatou | Thank you always |
| 信頼してるよ | しんらいしてるよ | Shinrai shiteru yo | I trust you |
| いつもそばにいてくれてありがとう | いつもそばにいてくれてありがとう | Itsumo soba ni ite kurete arigatou | Thank you for always being by my side |
| 君がいてくれて幸せ | きみがいてくれてしあわせ | Kimi ga ite kurete shiawase | I'm happy because you're here with me |
| ありがとうの気持ちを伝えたい | ありがとうのきもちをつたえたい | Arigatou no kimochi o tsutaetai | I want to express my gratitude |
| いつも支えてくれてありがとう | いつもささえてくれてありがとう | Itsumo sasaete kurete arigatou | Thank you for always supporting me |
| ずっと仲良しでいようね | ずっとなかよしでいようね | Zutto nakayoshi de iyou ne | Let's be close friends forever, okay? |
| 僕は君のことが大好きだ | ぼくはきみのことがだいすきだ | Boku wa kimi no koto ga daisuki da | I really like you (friendly expression) |
| 家族の一員だよ | かぞくのいちいんだよ | Kazoku no ichiin da yo | You are part of the family |
| ずっと応援してるよ | ずっとおうえんしてるよ | Zutto ouen shiteru yo | I'll always support you |
| 君と過ごす時間が大切だ | きみとすごすじかんがたいせつだ | Kimi to sugosu jikan ga taisetsu da | The time I spend with you is precious |
| いつも、ありがとう | いつも、ありがとう | Itsumo, Arigatou | Thank you, always |
| 好感を持っています | こうかんをもっています | Koukan o motteimasu | I have a favorable impression of you |
| 興味がある | きょうみがある | Kyōmi ga aru | I'm interested in you |
| 大いに好意を抱いています | おおいにこういをいだいています | Ōini kōi o idaiteimasu | I have great affection for you |
How to Say “Will You Marry Me?” in Japanese
When you’re ready to tie the knot with your Japanese-speaking sweetheart, you can use one of these phrases:
| Japanese | Furigana | Romaji | English meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 結婚してください | けっこん して ください | Kekkon shite kudasai | Please marry me |
| 一緒に結婚しよう | いっしょにけっこんしよう | Issho ni kekkon shiyou | Let's get married together |
| 私と結婚してください | わたしとけっこんしてください | Watashi to kekkon shite kudasai | Please marry me (using "watashi," meaning "me") |
| 結婚してくれませんか | けっこんしてくれませんか | Kekkon shite kuremasen ka | Will you marry me? |
| 一生を共にしませんか | いっしょうをともにしませんか | Isshou o tomo ni shimasen ka | Will you spend your life with me? |
| 一緒に未来を歩みましょう | いっしょにみらいをあゆみましょう | Issho ni mirai o ayumimashou | Let's walk into the future together |
| 君と結ばれたい | きみとむすばれたい | Kimi to musubare tai | I want to be bound with you |
| この先も一緒にいてほしい | このさきもいっしょにいてほしい | Kono saki mo issho ni ite hoshii | I want to be with you in the future too |
| 一生を共に過ごしませんか | いっしょうをともにすごしませんか | Isshou o tomo ni sugoshimasen ka | Will you spend your life with me? |
| 君とずっと一緒にいたい | きみとずっといっしょにいたい | Kimi to zutto issho ni itai | I want to be with you forever |
Romantic Phrases in Japanese
Sweet talk your sweetheart with some beautiful, romantic Japanese phrases:
| Japanese | Furigana | Romaji | English meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 君はとても美しい | きみはとてもうつくしい | Kimi wa totemo utsukushii | You are very beautiful |
| 心と心が通じる | こころとこころがつうじる | Kokoro to kokoro ga tsūjiru | Our hearts connect |
| 君の微笑みに癒される | きみのほほえみにいやされる | Kimi no hohoemi ni iyasareru | Your smile heals me |
| 君のことが頭から離れない | きみのことがあたまからはなれない | Kimi no koto ga atama kara hanarenai | I can't get you out of my mind |
| 二人ならどんな困難も乗り越えられる | ふたりならどんなこんなんものりこえられる | Futari nara donna konnan mo norikoerareru | Together, we can overcome any difficulty |
| 君とならどこでも行きたい | きみとならどこでもいきたい | Kimi to nara doko demo ikitai | I want to go anywhere with you |
| 君がいるから私は強い | きみがいるからわたしはつよい | Kimi ga iru kara watashi wa tsuyoi | I am strong because you are here |
| 君と過ごす時間は幸せ | きみとすごすじかんはしあわせ | Kimi to sugosu jikan wa shiawase | The time spent with you is happiness |
| 君と出会えてよかった | きみとであえてよかった | Kimi to deaete yokatta | I'm glad I met you |
| 君と一緒にいると安心する | きみといっしょにいるとあんしんする | Kimi to issho ni iru to anshin suru | I feel at ease when I'm with you |
| 君の愛に溺れたい | きみのあいにおぼれたい | Kimi no ai ni oboretai | I want to drown in your love |
| 君との未来を夢見ている | きみとのみらいをゆめみている | Kimi to no mirai o yume mite iru | I dream of a future with you |
| 君を思うと胸がいっぱいになる | きみをおもうとむねがいっぱいになる | Kimi o omou to mune ga ippai ni naru | My heart fills up when I think of you |
Japanese Love Quotes
Love is a popular topic in books, poems, movies and every other artistic human expression. Of course, this means that Japanese literature and film is chock-full of swoon-worthy love quotes. Impress your beloved by using one of these beautiful quotes about love:
| Japanese | Furigana | Romaji | English meaning | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 愛しているのは、君だけだ。 | あいしているのは、きみだけだ。 | Aishiteiru no wa, kimi dake da. | I only love you. | Movie: "Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World" |
| 君がいてくれて、幸せだ。 | きみがいてくれて、しあわせだ。 | Kimi ga ite kurete, shiawase da. | I'm happy because you're here. | Movie: "Love Letter" |
| 愛とは相手の幸せを願うこと。 | あいとはあいてのしあわせをねがうこと。 | Ai to wa aite no shiawase o negau koto. | Love is wishing for the happiness of the other person. | Book: "Kokoro" by Natsume Sōseki |
| 君を思うことが、私の喜び。 | きみをおもうことが、わたしのよろこび。 | Kimi o omou koto ga, watashi no yorokobi. | Thinking of you brings me joy. | Song: "Ai no Uta" by Fukuyama Masaharu |
| 愛は時空を超える。 | あいはじくうをこえる。 | Ai wa jikū o koeru. | Love transcends time and space. | Movie: "The Girl Who Leapt Through Time" |
| 君がいなければ、生きていく意味がない。 | きみがいなければ、いきていくいみがない。 | Kimi ga inakereba, ikite iku imi ga nai. | Without you, there is no meaning in living. | Movie: "1 Litre of Tears" |
| 愛は優しさと勇気。 | あいはやさしさとゆうき。 | Ai wa yasashisa to yūki. | Love is kindness and courage. | Anime: "Cardcaptor Sakura" |
| 君の笑顔が僕の全てだ。 | きみのえがおがぼくのすべてだ。 | Kimi no egao ga boku no subete da. | Your smile is everything to me. | Movie: "Kimi no Na wa" (Your Name) |
| 愛することの意味は、相手の幸せを願うこと。 | あいすることのいみは、あいてのしあわせをねがうこと。 | Ai suru koto no imi wa, aite no shiawase o negau koto. | The meaning of love is to wish for the happiness of the other person. | Book: "Norwegian Wood" by Haruki Murakami |
| 君とならどんな未来でも怖くない。 | きみとならどんなみらいでもこわくない。 | Kimi to nara donna mirai demo kowakunai. | I'm not afraid of any future as long as I'm with you. | Movie: "The Garden of Words" |
| 君と過ごす時間は、いつも輝いている。 | きみとすごすじかんは、いつもかがやいている。 | Kimi to sugosu jikan wa, itsumo kagayaite iru. | The time spent with you always shines brightly. | Song: "Planetarium" by Ai Otsuka |
| 君とならどんな困難も乗り越えられる。 | きみとならどんなこんなんものりこえられる。 | Kimi to nara donna konnan mo norikoerareru. | With you, I can overcome any difficulty. | Movie: "Nodame Cantabile" |
| 愛しい人のためなら、何でもできる。 | いとしいひとのためなら、なんでもできる。 | Itoshii hito no tame nara, nandemo dekiru. | For the one I love, I can do anything. | Song: "Yuki no Hana" by Mika Nakashima |
| 君との出会いは奇跡だった。 | きみとのであいはきせきだった。 | Kimi to no deai wa kiseki datta. | Meeting you was a miracle. | Drama: "1 Litre of Tears" |
| 愛していることを伝えるために言葉は必要ない。 | あいしていることをつたえるためにことばはひつようない。 | Aishite iru koto o tsutaeru tame ni kotoba wa hitsuyou nai. | Words are not necessary to express "I love you." | Song: "Koi" by Gen Hoshino |
Japanese Love Songs
If you’re looking for even more beautiful expressions of love, you’ll find them in these Japanese love songs. From the tender touch of first love to remembering a past love, take your pick from the options below to suit whatever kind of romantic mood you’re in.
- “初恋” (Hatsukoi) by Hikaru Itada — Expresses the nostalgic feeling and pure emotions of a first love.
- “千の風になって” (Sen no Kaze ni Natte) by Team Nekokan — Portrays the enduring love that transcends time and space, becoming a guiding presence like a thousand winds.
- “涙そうそう” (Namida Sousou) by Remioromen — Depicts the reminiscence of a love that brings both tears and cherished memories.
- “糸” (Ito) by Nakajima Miyuki — Symbolizes the unbreakable bond and delicate thread connecting two hearts in love.
- “プラネタリウム” (Puranetariumu) by Ai Otsuka — Describes the ethereal and enchanting experience of love, comparing it to a planetarium where dreams come true.
- “手紙 ～拝啓 十五の君へ～” (Tegami Haikei Juugo no Kimi e) by Angela Aki — Expresses heartfelt emotions and advice through a letter addressed to the 15-year-old self, capturing the essence of self-love.
- “恋愛サーキュレーション” (Koiai Sākyurēshon) by Kana Hanazawa — Depicts the joyful and rhythmic cycle of love, portraying the excitement and fluttering feelings that come with it.
- “ヒカリヘ” (Hikari e) by The Babystars — Conveys the promise of guiding and walking together towards a brighter future filled with love and hope.
- “レモン” (Remon) by Kenshi Yonezu — Describes the bittersweet nature of love, acknowledging both the sour and sweet moments that shape a relationship.
- “宿命” (Shukumei) by Official HIGE DANDism — Portrays a love that is destined, intertwined, and unbreakable, defying the odds.
- “パプリカ” (Papurika) by Foorin — Celebrates the freedom and joy of love, encouraging people to embrace their true selves and dream together.
Saying “I Love You” in Japanese Culture
In the West—especially the United States—it’s very easy to throw the term “I love you” or “I like you” every which way. We tell our friends, romantic partners, pets and family members we love them. As I mentioned earlier in the post, this is different in Japan.
Many married couples will probably tell you that they’ve never been told “I love you” by their partner. This isn’t to say Japanese people are cold and unloving, quite the contrary: Japanese couples merely use the “show, don’t tell” rule.
Married or dating couples in Japan opt to show their partners love through acts of service and loyalty rather than just telling them.
However, you’ll find that younger Japanese people say “I love you” more often than married couples. And in general, it’s rare to use such an expression among friends and family.
Because saying “I love you” in Japanese is so contextual and deeply rooted in culture, it will come more naturally to you by immersing yourself in it.
Of course, you can do this by booking a trip to Japan. But thanks to technology, it’s now more than possible to experience Japanese immersion from home, whether through language exchanges with Japanese friends or online language learning immersion programs like FluentU.
On FluentU, you can watch over 1,500 authentic Japanese videos turned into comprehensive language lessons.
The interactive subtitles feature lets you hover over words, phrases and structures you don’t understand to see the definition, and clicking on them instantly shows example sentences, audio pronunciation and other videos with that term in context.
If there’s a word you’ve learned outside of watching videos on FluentU (such as the “I love you” phrases on this list), you can also use the video-based dictionary to look it up. Then, you’ll find a curated selection of clips that use it in context.
Love might be rare to express, but knowing how to say “I love you” in Japanese is bound to come in handy—whether when meeting your soulmate in Tokyo or binge-watching your favorite Japanese drama.
Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)
