My bf has stopped saying te amo and now says te quiero... is this bad?

Question

Hi all

I'm english speaking and my bf is from Venezuela. For the past few months we've been saying I love you and te amo, it's been our standard greeting when saying goodnight to each other etc. I've noticed though all of a sudden he's stopped saying te amo and instead says te quiero or te adoro. I understand that te quiero is more of a general expression towards someone you care about, not necessarily romantically.

So I suppose my question is, is it normal for people in love to say te quiero instead of te amo sometimes? Or should he be saying te amo only? Am I just being a crazy female and completely over-analysing his language, or does he maybe not feel as strongly any more?

Thanks!

Welcome to SpanishDict. Being an English speaker you should know that "English is capitalized and not to use "text speak." The is a language learning site. Just letting you know for future reference. Please read the Rules and Guidelines. Thanks. - rac1, Feb 14, 2017

Answer 1

I'm afraid to say that you are "being a crazy female and completely over-analysing his language". I'm Spanish and I have never said te amo...never in my life. I always say te quiero that means the same.

Maybe in other countries it is common to say te amo but in Spain people say te quiero.

I think you're right, it is a cultural thing. I guess it depends on where you come from. I was taught "te amo" is a stronger word meaning love. - rac1, Feb 14, 2017

Answer 2

They're definitely interchangeable and region would often dictate which phrase the speaker uses. Neither is more endearing than the other. The thing to remember is, Spanish does not always translate directly and especially not perfectly into English and vise versa. In Spanish, phrases often have an intention or sentiment relayed by the combination of words.

Most important, I think you're relationship is safe!

Hi DJ. Hope all is well. :) - rac1, Feb 14, 2017

Hey thanks! It's gettin better. - DJ_Huero, Feb 15, 2017

Answer 3

Perhaps he is using different vocabulary in order to help you broaden your Spanish skills. They are more or less interchangeable, though my feeling is 'te quiero' can lend itself more to sexual desire, i.e. 'I want you.'.

But if you're in a relationship with the guy, why don't you ask him what he means by his words, rather than asking us?

Good advice...go to the source. :) - rac1, Feb 14, 2017