Love Words in Italian

By Lachlan McRitchie

Updated July 11, 2026

The essential Italian love words are ti amo (I love you), l'amore (love), il cuore (heart), and il bacio (kiss). Italian splits I love you in two: ti amo is romantic, while ti voglio bene is the warm version for family and friends.

ItalianEnglish
ti amoI love youromantic, for a partner
ti voglio beneI love youaffectionate, for family and friends
l'amorelove
il cuoreheart
il baciokiss
il tesorodarlingliterally: treasure
innamoratoin loveinnamorata for a woman
il fidanzatoboyfriendla fidanzata for a girlfriend
amore miomy love
baciareto kiss

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between ti amo and ti voglio bene?
Ti amo is romantic love, reserved for a partner. Ti voglio bene, literally I want you well, is the affectionate I love you you say to family and friends. Using the wrong one changes the meaning entirely.

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