Use this phrase to express a lifelong love for someone in a more formal situation or serious occasion. For example, you might say this to your new spouse at your wedding, or on an anniversary. The phrase “wǒ ài nǐ” (我爱你) is not just romantic. It can also be used to express love between family members. However, as with romantic partners, it wouldn’t be used off-handedly in a casual setting.
This phrase is also used in more casual situations where “wǒ ài nǐ” (我爱你) would be considered out of place. For example, you might say it to your romantic partner before the two of you go your separate ways.
520 (wǔ èr líng) stands for “wǒ ài nǐ” (I love you) 770 (qī qī líng) stands for “qīn qīn nǐ” (kiss you) 880 (bā bā líng) stands for “bào bào nǐ” (hug you) 530 (wǔ sān líng) stands for “wǒ xiǎng nǐ” (miss you). This phrase can also be interpreted to mean that you’re thinking about the person.
If you’re just saying “I love you” in a casual moment, such as when getting off the phone, it would probably be more appropriate to say it in English than to say it in Chinese.
For example, if you texted the phrase to someone you hadn’t seen in a while, it might more commonly be interpreted to mean that you missed them, although either understanding would be appropriate. If you’ve only met the person recently, it would typically be interpreted to mean that you were thinking about them.
Nǐ shì wǒ de wéiyī (你是我的唯): You are my only one Wǒ de xīnlǐ zhǐ yǒu nǐ (我的心里只有你): In my heart there is only you Wǒ huì yīzhí péizhe nǐ (我会一直陪着你): I will always stay with you
Nǐ zhēn piàoliang (你真漂亮): You’re so beautiful Nǐ hǎo shuài (你好帅): You’re so handsome Chuān yī fú zhēn pèi nǐ (穿衣服真配你): You look great in those clothes[9] X Research source
You might also try “wǒ xǐhuān nǐ” (我喜欢你), which means “I’ve got a crush on you,” or “wǒ rènwéi nǐ bù jǐnjǐn zhǐ shì yí gè péngyǒu” (我认为你不仅仅只是一个朋友), which means “I think of you as more than a friend. “[11] X Research source
When you say this to someone, they will see that you recognize and appreciate their efforts and care deeply for them.
For example, you might do a chore for them that you know they particularly dislike or have a difficult time doing. You might also cook them their favorite meal, record their favorite TV show for them, or get them tickets to a concert you know they’ll enjoy.
For example, you might print photos of the two of you together and make a scrapbook of your relationship and all the adventures you’ve been on. You might also make a sign or poster related to the person or something they enjoy. If you’re musically inclined, you might consider writing a song that tells the person how much they mean to you.
For example, you might put your arms around your significant other’s waist as they’re cooking, or massage their shoulders as they’re reading or working.
For example, “wǒ ài nǐ” (我爱你) would be much more appropriate in a formal love letter than if you simply said it. If you’re just starting to learn Chinese, you might want to have a native speaker look over your letter before you give it to your beloved.
