- Sweet heart candies - by lifelikeapps, used via CC-Attribution
This Valentine’s Day, show your beloved that your passion is true all around the world with 10 different ways to say “I Love You”. Each phrase is accompanied by an approximate phonetic version of the phrase appropriate for English speakers.
Then, try one or more of these gift ideas inspired by the local customs of each country.
French: Je t’aime (Zhuh tem)
French is widely regarded by many as the language of love. Gift your special someone with card containing a romantic poem in French and a bottle of their favorite wine.
German: Ich liebe dich (Ik-lebe-dik)
Increase your chances of “getting lucky” by including a tiny candy pig with your Valentines gift. The little porkers are considered to be symbols of good luck and lust in Germany.
Italian: Ti amo (Tee-am-mo)
If you want to celebrate your love like the Italians, take your loved one out for pizza and slip him or her some Baci Parugina; tiny hazelnut chocolates which contain loving sayings in four languages.
Dutch: Ik hou van je (ik-how-van-oo)
A big bunch of red and pink tulips, or a potted one, is a sweet way to express your feelings with a Dutch flair. Seek out a spectrum of tulip breeds to create a unique bouquet.
Japanese: Aishiteru yo (Ay-shtur-yo)
In Japan, women give candy and homemade sweets to the object of their affection. If your partner or love interest is the one who normally initiates things, switch it up by being the first one to offer a Valentine gift this year. Homemade chocolate hearts are sure to melt theirs.
Chinese: Wo ie ni (Why)
Romantic holidays in China are traditionally about women showing off their domestic sewing and cooking skills. Show off for the person of your affection by sewing them a gift or carving a melon for dessert.
Irish Gaelic: taim i'ngra leat (taa may ee ngraw lat)
Accompany your Gaelic profession of love with a Claddagh ring; two hands grasping a crowned heart will represent your undying love and loyalty. This ring can also be used as a wedding band.
Greek: S'agapo (Saa-ra-po)
If you want to share your love with a Greek twist, you can’t go wrong with stories about Aphrodite, the goddess of love herself, or perhaps a heart-shaped arrow from Eros to show that your partner has captured your heart.
Polish: Kocham cie (ko-ham-cho)
Show your love by following the Polish tradition of Women’s Day and shower your lady with flowers. You don’t have to restrict this behavior to just romantic love either. Share flowers with all the women in your family to let them know you care.
Spanish: Te amo (Tay ahm-oh)
Follow the Spanish St. Valentine’s Day tradition of giving gifts to your loved one that have been decorated elaborately with roses. A romantic tapas course would not go amiss either.
References
Omniglot "I Love You in Many Languages." Accessed February 9, 2011.
"Everything Valentine's Day: Around the World". Accessed February 9, 2011.
Amanda Potter - Amanda is an American expat residing in the Netherlands with her scientist husband, small business, and two crazy cats.
