13 Ways to Say I Love You in Japanese. Read This for Love!

How do you say I love you in Japanese?

There are many ways. The easiest ones are “aishiteru” and “suki!”

This Japanese guide will explain it all to you. And remember, I love you.

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1) Aishiteru

One of the strongest ways to say I love you in Japanese is by saying aishiteru.

愛してる
Aishiteru.
I love you.

In Japanese culture, it’s not common for couples, friends, and family to say “I love you” to each other.

So, save this phrase for the right moment, and don’t say it too casually.

Keep in mind that you will rarely hear this phrase in public. Married couples don’t even say it. This is something that means something deep and profound for Japanese people.

2) ____ ga suki

What do you love? Pizza? Pineapple on pizza? Your significant other and pizza?

You can use this phrase to express that.

_____が好き！
____ ga suki!
I like (love) _____!

This is another common way to say I love you in Japanese, and one of the common Japanese words for love.

Since Japanese people rarely tell each other “I love you!”, it’s more common to say “I like you!”

You can put the person you love’s name in the blank. This is used in romantic relationships and it would be weird for platonic friendships or with family.

____ ga suki! I like (love) _____! in Japanese

In general, 好き (suki) or “like” is the word that is closest to the way that the word “love” is used in English.

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3) _____ ga kininaru.

If you have feelings for someone, this phrase is for you.

_____ が気になる。
_____ ga kininaru.
I have feelings for _____.

This phrase works perfectly if you’re still not completely sure if what you’re feeling is “love”.

This is a great way to convey to other people or to your potential love interest where you are with your feelings.

4) Daisuki!

This is another way to say I love you in Japanese, and is one of the common Japanese words for love.

大好き!
Daisuki!
I really like you!

You can add a stronger emphasis on the word suki meaning “like” by adding dai. As explained earlier, the word for “like” is used more often than the word “love” in Japanese. You can use this phrase casually with someone you have a romantic relationship with.

5) Itsumo arigatou

This phrase works well for expressing “love” in both a romantic or a non-romantic way.

いつもありがとう。
Itsumo arigatou.
I appreciate you.
Literal translation: Thank you always.

In Japan, showing appreciation and feeling grateful for someone is a sign that you “love” that person. Next time you see someone who has been there for you throughout the years, try saying this phrase to convey your feelings.

6) Anata ga ichiban daiji.

あなたが一番大事。
Anata ga ichiban daiji.
You are the most important person to me.

Anata ga ichiban daiji can be said to a romantic partner to show them that they are the most important person to you. If the other person is doubting whether you are prioritizing them, this can be a reassuring phrase to say. It’s not as casual as other phrases showing love, so it’s important to say this when you really mean it.

7) Taisetsu ni omotteru yo.

Taisetsu in Japanese means something “precious” or “important” to you.

大切に思ってるよ。
Taisetsu ni omotteru yo.
I really care for you.

In this phrase it can mean that you truly care for the other person. This phrase is an expression of romantic love that can convey that you’ll always treat the other person well and care for them.

8) Issho ni iru to shiawase.

In Japan, romantic relationships are seen as a way to reach a state of happiness.

一緒にいると幸せ。
Issho ni iru to shiawase.
I’m happy when I’m with you.

During a wedding, families and friends will tell the newlyweds お幸せに (oshiawase ni), which means “we wish for your happiness”. In this phrase, you can tell your romantic partner how much they make you happy and tell them indirectly that you love them.

9) Itsumo anata o omotteru.

いつもあなたを思っている。
Itsumo anata o omotteru.
I’m always thinking of you.

This phrase can be the perfect way to tell your special someone that they are constantly in your thoughts.

However, make sure you have mutual feelings first.

Saying this could be surprising or even creepy if the other person doesn’t feel the same way.

10) Zutto issho ni iyou.

If you enjoy spending time with your romantic partner, you can tell them this phrase.

ずっと一緒にいよう。
Zutto issho ni iyou.
Let’s be together forever.

It can have a strong meaning, so you should say it when you feel the moment is right. Keep in mind that it is possible that it could sound like a marriage proposal. It’s important that you are serious about your commitment and love to the other person.

11) Kekkon shite kudasai.

This is how you say marry me in Japanese.

結婚してください。
Kekkon shite kudasai.
Please marry me.

In Japan, you should propose using formal language to show that you are serious.

This applies even if you’re completely comfortable and normally use casual speech with the other person.

Proposals are often similar to ones in English speaking countries, but in some traditional families they may have a yuino (traditional engagement ceremony) where both families meet to make things official.

12) Anata to iru to jikan o wasureru.

あなたといると時間を忘れる。
Anata to iru to jikan o wasureru.
I lose track of time when I’m with you.

When you’re in a relationship, it’s common to lose track of time and spend as much time as possible with your significant other. This phrase expresses the feelings of love where you enjoy your time together to the point where you forget everything else. This is a very romantic way to express your love to someone in Japanese.

13) Kimi o mamoritai.

In Japan, relationships can be quite traditional since men are often considered to be a protector.

君を守りたい。
Kimi o mamoritai.
I want to protect you.

This phrase is used by men to express their deep care and love for someone. It’s not common for men to show affection and share their feelings in Japan, so saying that you want to protect someone can be the equivalent of saying “I love you”.