"Te quiero no por quien eres, sino por quien soy cuando estoy contigo."
/teh KYEH-roh noh pohr KYEN EH-res, SEE-noh pohr KYEN soy KWAN-doh es-TOY kon-TEE-goh/
I love you not for who you are, but for who I am when I am with you.
💡 Understanding the Quote
"Te quiero no por quien eres, sino por quien soy cuando estoy contigo."
🎨 Visual Representation
The quote celebrates how true love can transform us into better versions of ourselves.
🔑 Key Words
📖 Context
Often attributed to Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez, though its exact origin is uncertain and debated. It is widely circulated as one of his most famous romantic sentiments, but it does not appear in his published works.
📝 In Action
Le escribí en la tarjeta de aniversario: 'Te quiero no por quien eres, sino por quien soy cuando estoy contigo'.
B2I wrote on the anniversary card: 'I love you not for who you are, but for who I am when I am with you'.
Mi amistad con ella es especial. Me hace sentir como la persona que describe esa famosa frase: 'quien soy cuando estoy contigo'.
C1My friendship with her is special. She makes me feel like the person that famous quote describes: 'who I am when I am with you'.
✍️ About the Author
📜 Historical Context
While often linked to Gabriel García Márquez, the quote's origins are murky. Its popularity exploded in the late 20th and early 21st centuries with the rise of the internet. Its sentiment aligns well with the romantic and deeply human themes found in Latin American literature, which might explain why the attribution to 'Gabo' has stuck so strongly.
🌍 Cultural Significance
This has become a modern romantic classic in the Spanish-speaking world. It's a staple for wedding vows, anniversary cards, and social media posts. It represents a mature ideal of love that goes beyond initial infatuation to celebrate mutual growth and self-improvement.
📚 Literary Analysis
The quote's power lies in its 'sino' structure ('not... but rather'). It creates a direct contrast between loving someone for their inherent qualities ('por quien eres') and loving them for the positive effect they have on you ('por quien soy'). This rhetorical shift elevates the meaning from simple admiration to a celebration of love's transformative power.
⭐ Usage Tips
For Deeply Romantic Moments
This is a perfect quote for expressing profound love in wedding vows, anniversaries, or heartfelt letters. It shows a level of maturity and introspection that is very powerful.
Beyond Romantic Love
The sentiment is so universal that it can also describe a life-changing friendship. You can use it to tell a close friend how much their presence in your life has helped you grow.
🔗 Related Quotes
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: Te quiero no por quien eres, sino por quien soy cuando estoy contigo.
Question 1 of 2
What is the core message of this quote?
🏷️ Categories
Themes:
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Gabriel García Márquez really write this?
There is no definitive evidence that he did. It does not appear in any of his novels, short stories, or published interviews. It's one of the most famous quotes attributed to him, but its actual origin is unknown. It's best to acknowledge the attribution is unconfirmed.
Can I use this for a deep friendship, or is it strictly romantic?
Absolutely! While it's most commonly used in a romantic context, the underlying sentiment about someone bringing out the best in you is a beautiful way to describe a profound, life-changing friendship as well.