How to Say ‘I Love You’ in 50 Languages [INFOGRAPHIC]

There are countless ways to care about and love someone, even if English has one umbrella term to describe that feeling, love. This word embraces all aspects of this beautiful and often enigmatic emotion, from romantic love to the love we feel for our families, our pets, and even our favorite foods or movies. The Ancient Greeks made it easier though, dividing this concept up into three main types: Eros (romantic love), Philia (brotherly love), and Agape (universal or altruistic love).

This internationally-flavored piece from Bon Traveler teaches how to say those three special words, I Love You, in 50 different languages — so you can mix it up a bit, or even surprise your special someone if they come from a different part of the world. From French and Italian to Japanese and Bengali, be well versed in the language of love.

Here are three cultural takes on romantic love to get you started!

French: Je t’aime
In the country that brought us the “City of Love” (Paris), l’amour is never far away. Romantic love is put on a pedestal, but Mon Dieu, it has a world of its own! Unlike in the US, where many believe that the person we date should be our best friend, in France, “life partner” and “best friend” are often separate people.

The land of Edith Piaf and Le Mur Des Je T’aime, the Wall of Love in Paris, where “I love you” is displayed in 250 different languages, cherishes mystique. French culture is okay with couples having some separate interests, friends and routines, and relationships are private.

Hindi: Main tumse pyar karta/i hoon
The world-famous monument, the Taj Mahal, in Agra, India, is an ode to love attracting some eight million visitors each year.  It was commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a tribute to his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

In Hinduism, Krishna is the god of compassion, tenderness and love, and is one of the most popular and revered Indian divinities. Krishna is often depicted holding a flute which represents divine music. It also symbolizes a human heart which is made hollow, so free from worldly thoughts leaving it receptive to divine love.

Italian: Ti amo
Watching couples of all ages in Italy, from the teens in gelateria (ice cream parlors) to grandparents sitting on a shaded terrace or millennials crossing a piazza walking mano in mano (hand in hand) across the cobblestones, you will see that Italy offers many beautiful lessons in the language of love.

Italian culture, one of the world’s most sensual and emotive ones, has been passionately expressing love and romance for centuries through music, poetry and artistic masterpieces. La Dolce Vita from director Federico Fellini, is considered one of the country’s best romantic films. Naturally, Italians appreciate the value of Le conversazioni intime (intimate conversations) between couples, as a route to mutual understanding and joy.

Check out our infographic below for more on the universe of love, giving, and kindness:

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