Speak the language of love
Ciao a tutti e buon San Valentino! Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or simply curious about Italian culture, there’s no better time to explore the beautiful ways Italians express love. Known as the language of love, Italian is filled with poetic phrases and heartfelt expressions that go far beyond the simple “I love you.” Let’s explore some key phrases and idioms that will not only impress your significant other but also help you understand how love is celebrated in Italian culture.
For complete beginners: essential words
Start with these basic words to build your romantic Italian vocabulary:
- Il cuore – Heart
- Gli innamorati – Lovers
- L’amore – Love
- Il bacio – Kiss
- La passione – Passion
- La coppia – Couple
- I cioccolatini – Chocolates
For elementary learners: romantic phrases to melt hearts
Here are some essential phrases to help you speak directly to your loved one’s heart:
- Ti amo – I love you. This is the classic way to say “I love you” to a romantic partner. This is only used to express romantic love and you don’t use it with family members.
- Ti voglio bene – I care about you. This phrase expresses affection and love in a broader sense. You can say it to family, close friends, or even a romantic partner in a more tender way.
- Mi manchi – I miss you. Perfect for expressing how much you long for someone when they’re not around.
- Per sempre insieme – Together forever. A sweet promise that’s both romantic and timeless.
To explore more ways of expressing your love in Italian, watch this short video.
For intermediate learners: idioms to express love in Italian-style
Italians have a talent for infusing everyday language with passion. These idiomatic expressions showcase their poetic approach to love:
- Essere un colpo di fulmine – Literary: To be struck by lightning. This phrase describes falling in love at first sight—a sudden, electrifying attraction.
Example: Quando ti ho visto la prima volta, è stato un colpo di fulmine.
(When I saw you for the first time, it was love at first sight.)
- Essere cotto/a di qualcuno – To be in love with someone. A playful way to say you have a crush on someone or are head over heels in love.
Example: Lancillotto non pensa ad altro che a Ginevra, è cotto di lei!
(Francesco can’t think about anything else but Lea, he’s head over heels for her!)
We also say: avere una cotta per qualcuno.
Esempio: Fitzwilliam ha una cotta per Elizabeth.
- Non avere occhi che per qualcuno – To only have eyes for someone. A poetic way to say that your focus is entirely on one person.
Example: Romeo non ha occhi che per Giulietta.
(Romeo only has eyes for Juliet.)
- Essere l’anima gemella di qualcuno – To be someone’s soulmate
A heartfelt way to describe a perfect match or deep connection.
Example: Lo amerò per sempre, è la mia anima gemella.
(I will love him forever, he is my soulmate..)
- Mettersi il cuore in pace – To make peace with your heart. While not strictly romantic, this idiom can describe coming to terms with unrequited love.
Example: Non mi ama, ma mi sono messo il cuore in pace. Troverò un altro amore.
(She doesn’t love me, but I’ve made peace with it. I will find another love.)
If you wish to develop your reading skills further, read this blog in Italian related to an Italian tradition for San Valentino.
For advanced learners: literary Italian love quotes
Let’s explore the beauty of Italian literature and culture with these timeless quotations:
Viola Ardone, Il treno dei bambini
“A volte ti ama di più chi ti lascia andare che chi trattiene.”
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Giuseppe Ungaretti, Silenzio in Liguria
“Il vero amore è come una finestra illuminata in una notte buia. Il vero amore è una quiete accesa.”
Italo Calvino, Il Barone Rampante
“Si conobbero. Lui conobbe lei e se stesso, perché in verità non s’era mai saputo. E lei conobbe lui e se stessa, perché pur essendosi saputa sempre, mai s’era potuta riconoscere così.”
Giovanni Verga, Storia di una capinera
“Perché il rumore di taluni passi si sente col cuore come se il cuore udisse?”
Dante Alighieri, Vita Nova
“Tanto gentile e tanto onesta pare
la donna mia quand’ella altrui saluta,
ch’ogne lingua deven tremando muta,
e li occhi no l’ardiscon di guardare.
Ella si va, sententosi laudare,
benignamente d’umiltà vestuta;
e par che sia una cosa venuta
da cielo in terra a miracol mostrare.
Mostrasi sì piacente a chi la mira,
che dà per li occhi una dolcezza al core,
che ‘ntender no la può chi no la prova:
e par che de la sua labbia si mova
un spirito soave pien d’amore,
che va dicendo a l’anima: Sospira.”
I hope you found these words useful—and who knows, maybe even inspiring! Which phrase or quote stole your heart? Would you dare to use any of them?
Why not put your Italian to good use and write a love card for someone special? And if no one comes to mind, remember: self-love is always in style. Write yourself the most romantic letter ever—you deserve it!
Buon San Valentino a tutti… and may your day be filled with amore, prosecco, and at least one guilty-pleasure rom-com! ❤️
