"Te amo" used with family members.

Question

So, I have read and posted on many "te amo VS te quiero" threads here on SD. Almost everyone knows the basic differences and will tell you that "te quiero" is more friendly while "te amo" is like a romantic love.

So, I was watching a few Disney movies in Spanish, and in some of them, the children said "te amo" to their parents... (they haven't seen them in a while, and they were worried that they may never see them again.)

I am just wondering how common this is, and does this usage vary depending on the country you are in.

Thank you!

Answer 1

Hola, Nikkita : ) Buena pregunta. I think it's regional like you said. Families here in Chile, especially parents and children, say ''te amo'' to each other.

Ah, really???? Here you normally say "te quiero", but in the movie, it was an "extreme" situation. - NikkiLR, Feb 20, 2012

Yeah! I remember the first time I heard it I was a little amazed since I thought it was only for parejas. - michellech, Feb 20, 2012

Yeah, I guess it really depends on where you live... It is interesting!! - NikkiLR, Feb 20, 2012

Answer 2

My boyfriend speaks spanish and english I asked him the difference and he said that to his family and to him te quiero is a strong like/friendly love and te amo is a strong love

Yes, I did say that I do already know the differences, but thank you. =) - NikkiLR, Feb 20, 2012

Answer 3

maybe you've seen the latin version. In Spain, as you said, "te amo" is only a romantic love

Yes, I did. I live in Mexico. =) - NikkiLR, Feb 20, 2012