"Te quiero" y "Te amo"

Question

¿Cuál usas y Cuándo usas?

Answer 1

People will tell you a lot of different things about the usage of these two expressions depending on where they are being used. Almost all Spanish speakers agree that "te amo" is much, much stronger than "te quiero". A lot of people will tell you that "te amo" should only be used between lovers, but this is not always true. I have heard many people from South America (including my brother in-law from Peru) use this with family and friends that they have a super strong connection with. It is interesting to note that in many parts of Spain "te amo" is not used, and it is seen as super cheesy.

Answer 2

"Te amo" should only be used between lovers, girlfriend/boyfriend, husband/wife.

"Te quiero" can mean "I like you," "I love you," "I want you." This can be used between lovers as well and should be used among friends and family members, etc.

Bien dicho amigo =] - DJ_Huero, May 7, 2012

Answer 3

I agree with Julianchivi and Vorstellung. Te amo means I love you mientras que "te quiero" solamente quiere decir que "I really like you"

Answer 4

"Te amo" is a stronger feeling than "Te quiero" as simple as that. "Te quiero" never ever means "I like you" it just makes no sense.

Quizás sea regionalismo dentro de la misma republica, pero en el DF así se usa "te quiero" también por lo menos entre gente que todavía no ha establecido una relación fija pero por allí van - 005faa61, May 8, 2012

Answer 5

Thanks for all your answers.

Now I know that " te amo" should only be used between lovers, girlfriend/boyfriend, husband/wife. (like Julian explained.)

And "te quiero" can mean "I like you," "I love you," "I want you." This can be used between lovers as well and should be used among friends and family members, etc. ( like Julian explained)

But now I also know that when someone tells you " te amo" it does not necessarily mean " I love you", maybe it means just " I like you". And probably it is better to ask the particular Spanish speaking person, which expression of these two ( te quiero, te amo) expresses feelings between friends. Just to make sure and to avoid some embarrassing misunderstanding situation.

Thanks a lot to all of you, guys, for your answeres!!! Muchas gracias. : )))

Answer 6

To me te amo and te quiero mean I love you, but I guess when we say te amo this may cause more impact or emotions hehe. In my opinion, It is much more common to say or to hear te quiero than te amo. One more thing, you can sure say te amo to your family,besides your love. For example: te amo mamá.To friends is not very common, maybe te quiero is more used.

Answer 7

Te amo : means I love you. Can be used between lovers and sometimes with family. I love you mom. Te amo Mama. Between friends is weird.

Te quiero: means I want you. Can be used between lovers and sometimes with family. Between friends is weird also.

Answer 8

'Te amo' and 'Te quiero' , these two words means 'I love you' or 'I like u'. These words can be used when you tell a person that you like or love her , these words can be used by two lovers, parent and child or between friends. Hope this helps you and iana01.

Answer 9

Hola, Swtw1219,

I got many explanations about these two words. And the explanations were always different. I hope, now I get the answer here (as well). Thanks for asking this question.

I can not wait the answer. heheeh.