How are "te amo" and "te quiero" different?

Question

i don't know how are they different "te amo and te quiero"?

Please remember to use proper capitalization in your posts. Thanks! - --Mariana--, JUN 3, 2010

Answer 1

I disagree with Nametaken who says that "te amo" is used with parent and children. I'd use "te quiero" in those cases. I'd also use "te quiero" for friends and relatives.

As for "te amo" I believe that there is a romantic depth to that which is reserved for spouses and lovers. Also, "te quiero" is perfectly fine between spouses, it's just not as deep as "te amo" or "te adoro."

Should we read anything into spouses and lovers rather than spouses or lovers? :-) Just don't call your husband by the wrong name at critical moments. - 0074b507, JUN 3, 2010

Jejeje - --Mariana--, JUN 3, 2010

Answer 2

They both mean 'I love you' - or at least they do if you change it to: 'te quiero" (a couple of your letters were put in back to front)

But if we want to get technical, apparently te quiero is appropriate for any love - spouse, friend, parents, siblings or lover whereas te amo is usually reserved for your lover and not your friends or family.

Answer 3

With parents, spouses and children, you would use "Te amo."

With relatives, a new boy/girlfriend and good friends you would use "Te quiero."

Edit: Have a look at this Reference Article.

What if you don't like your parents, spouse or children? :-) - 0074b507, JUN 3, 2010