“Te amo” is Spanish and it means “I love you” in English, usually in a deep or very serious way.

Basic meaning

  • “Te” = “you.”
  • “Amo” = “I love.” It comes from the verb “amar” (to love).
  • Put together, “te amo” = “I love you.”

People usually say “te amo” to:

  • A serious romantic partner (like someone you’re in love with).
  • Very close or immediate family, in emotional moments.

“Te amo” vs. “Te quiero”

Both can translate as “I love you,” but they don’t feel the same.

  • Te quiero : Softer, more casual love; used with friends, extended family, or in earlier/less intense relationships.
  • Te amo : Stronger, more intimate, often romantic, sometimes considered a bit “serious” or old‑fashioned by some younger speakers.

A simple way to feel the difference:

  • “Te quiero” ≈ “I care about you / I love you (but not super dramatic).”
  • “Te amo” ≈ “I am deeply in love with you” or “I love you with all my heart.”

TL;DR: If someone tells you “te amo,” they’re not just being nice—they’re expressing a strong, deep kind of love.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.