Inklingo

How to Say "to love" in Spanish

English → Spanish

querer

keh-REHR/keˈɾeɾ/

verbA2informal
Use 'querer' to express affection for people, including family and friends, and also for pets, in a warm and caring way.
A young girl gently hugs a fluffy brown puppy, both looking content and happy, demonstrating deep affection.

Examples

Te quiero mucho, mamá.

I love you very much, Mom.

Él quiere a su perro como si fuera su hijo.

He loves his dog as if it were his child.

No sé si la quiero o solo la aprecio.

I don't know if I love her (romantically) or just appreciate her.

The Personal 'a'

When 'querer' means 'to love/care for' a specific person or pet, you must put the word 'a' before the person or pet: 'Quiero a mi abuela.'

Love vs. Love ('Querer' vs. 'Amar')

'Querer' is the default for family and friends. 'Amar' is usually reserved for deep, romantic love, poetry, or intense passion.

Forgetting the 'a'

Mistake: “Yo quiero mi novio.”

Correction: Yo quiero *a* mi novio. (You must mark the person receiving the affection with 'a').

amar

ah-MAHR/aˈmaɾ/

verbA1formal
Use 'amar' for profound, deep love, such as romantic love, love for life itself, or a very strong, enduring love between family members.
A small child gently hugging a fluffy white dog, showing mutual affection and love.

Examples

Mi abuela y mi abuelo se amaron por sesenta años.

My grandmother and grandfather loved each other for sixty years.

Yo amo a mis hijos más que nada.

I love my children more than anything.

Ella ama su nuevo perro.

She loves her new dog.

The Essential 'Personal A'

When 'amar' is followed by a specific person or pet, you must include the word 'a' right before them. This doesn't translate to English, but it's essential in Spanish: 'Yo amo a Juan' (I love Juan).

Using 'Amar' vs. 'Querer'

'Amar' is reserved for deep, profound love (romantic partners, family, God). Use 'querer' for liking friends, wanting things, or expressing affection for things you enjoy doing.

Querer vs. Amar

Learners often use 'amar' too broadly. Remember that 'querer' is the standard and most common way to say 'I love you' to family and friends in most Spanish-speaking regions. 'Amar' implies a much deeper, more profound love.

Related Translations

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