Inklingo

How to Say "loves" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ama

AH-mah/ˈa.ma/

VerbA1General
Use 'ama' to express deep, passionate love for things, concepts, or people, often implying adoration or a profound connection.
A high quality storybook illustration showing two figures, perhaps children or simple characters, embracing each other warmly.

Examples

Mi abuela ama las flores de su jardín.

My grandmother loves the flowers in her garden.

Él ama el deporte y la vida sana.

He loves sport and a healthy life.

Usted ama la música clásica, ¿verdad?

You (formal) love classical music, right?

Use of the Personal 'A'

When 'ama' is used to love a person, pet, or personalized entity, you must place the small word 'a' right after the verb: 'Ella ama a su esposo' (She loves her husband).

Confusing Verb forms

Mistake: “Using 'yo ama' instead of 'yo amo' or 'tú ama' instead of 'tú amas'.”

Correction: Remember that 'ama' is only for 'he, she, it, or you (formal)'. The 'yo' form always ends in -o ('amo').

quiere

/KYEH-reh//ˈkje.ɾe/

VerbA2General
Use 'quiere' to express affection, fondness, or a strong liking for people or pets, indicating a caring relationship.
A smiling woman gently hugging an older woman, representing familial love.

Examples

Mi perro me quiere mucho.

My dog loves me a lot.

Te quiero, papá.

I love you, dad.

Sus amigos la quieren por ser tan amable.

Her friends love her for being so kind.

Using the Personal 'a'

When you love or want a specific person or pet, you usually need to put the small word 'a' before them. For example, 'Ella quiere a su hermano'.

Ama vs. Quiere: Deep Love vs. Affection

Learners often confuse 'ama' and 'quiere' by using 'ama' for people they simply like or are fond of. Reserve 'ama' for profound love; use 'quiere' for general affection towards people and pets to sound more natural.

Related Translations

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