No te quiero, te amo

Question

I have read 4 or 5 threads on the difference between querrer and amar, and I am sorry to add another, but I haven't found an answer to my question. I am dealing with cuban spanish, and hope to get an answer from someone familiar with cuban usage. Specifically, a cubana (with whom I have had a close, but strictly platonic, friendship for several years) was being 'cranky', so I asked half-jokingly if 'me quieres'. She replied, 'no te quiero, te amo'. Does this usage specify that there is no romantic component, or that there could be one? Thanks

Answer 1

It is acceptable to use "amar" to say that you have a deep platonic love for someone. That word can be used among friends and family members, although perhaps not as commonly as "querer".

Answer 2

Well, if I say someone "I don't want you, I love you" it's because I am in love of that person or my feelings are really deep for "the lucky one"

I would translate it more as "I don't just love you, I deeply love you." And yes, it can be taken to mean romantic love, and you shouldn't use this for platonic love unless it is clearly platonic. - gintar77, Jun 26, 2011