One of the most significant phrases a person can utter is "I love you."

In Spain, there are two ways to express your love.

After discussing with many a Spaniard the meaning of these phrases, I am still confused.

This is my own opinion on the matter:

"Te quiero" literally translates to "I want you." This is a kind of love you can have for your boyfriend, your chihuahua, or your favorite tapa. For me, it is a less serious, friendly, beginning of a relationship love.

"Te amo" is the more oficial, old-fashioned, in love with you, never let you go type of love. 
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Spanish countryside, te quiero.
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Chocolate con churros, te quiero.
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Beautiful architecture, te quiero.
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Authentic Spanish Vino, te quiero.
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La Cuidad Dorada, te quiero.
With February and El dia de San Valentin coming up soon, I am filled with love!

Love for life, love for adventure, and love for speaking a language that gives me two different ways to express that love!

¡Te quiero, España! Or is it te amo?
Kristen Shoemaker
1/16/2012 11:04:50 am

That was always my understanding of the two phrases!

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Me
1/16/2012 04:44:56 pm

Kristen, I'm glad I'm not alone! haha Isn't Spanish such a wonderful language? :) TWO ways to say something, one with a deeper meaning?

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1/16/2012 09:22:49 pm

Te amo -- I basically never hear it/say it. It's always te quiero, even if I do love my fiance in an old-fashioned, never-let-him-go type way. :)

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Me
1/17/2012 05:41:19 am

Kaley, I "AMO" that you said FIANCE! So excited for you and your Spanish engagement. You will now have a life full of 'te quiero's. :)

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Dan
1/17/2012 01:45:39 am

I try not to overuse "te amo", and will utter "te quiero" on a daily basis. However, after watching a glorious sunset in a perfect setting and being filled with love by the eyes of my partner, a simple "te quiero" just won't cut it.

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Me
1/17/2012 05:51:53 am

Dan, I love the beautiful words. I haven't yet witnessed a Spanish sunset myself, but I hope there will come a day! Send any recommendations on the best 'sitios' my way, por favor.

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