One of the beauties of Italian is that it is a very specific language. I would say I love that, but that would be very un-Italian indeed.

For example, there are different words to indicate playing a sport (giocare) versus playing an instrument (suonare). Or for painting a wall (tinteggiare) versus creating something with paint —  like a masterpiece — (dipingere).

So it’s no surprise that in Italian you wouldn’t just express your feelings for say, a pizza, or a movie, or any of the countless other things we English speakers “love” using the same word that we would use for the love of our lives.

The word love is reserved for romantic love only, used exclusively to describe your feelings for your boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse. Other things which you feel strongly about, instead, are pleasing to you: mi piace la tua macchina nuova (which more accurately translates as “I like your new car.”) Or, you could adore something: adoro il caffè. But certainly, you don’t love whatever that thing is.

Knowing this distinction makes expressing your love in Italian even more powerful. Ready to give it a try? Italian phrases are linked to Google Translate so that you can hear the pronunciation, and I hope the pictures transport you virtually to some of Italy’s romantic spots!

I love you: Ti amo

Kiss me: dammi un bacio

Bridge of Sighs, Venice, Image Credit

Fun fact: Legend says that kissing under the bridge at sunset on a gondola will bring eternal love and bliss. However, the Bridge of Sighs (Il Ponte dei Sospiri) was named for a different kind of sigh. Long ago, the bridge connected the prison to the interrogation rooms at the Doge’s Palace. When prisoners where taken to their cells, the last glimpse they would see of Venice came while crossing the bridge…hence…*sigh*.

 I’m falling in love with you: Mi sto innamorando di te

Verona Image Credit

Fun fact: Verona is home to Juliet’s balcony, and La Casa di Giulietta is one of the most popular attractions in Verona. Three of Shakespeare’s works are set in Verona: Romeo and Juliet, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, and The Taming of the Shrew. Read more about Verona here.

You are my treasure: sei il mio tesoro

Capri Harbor Image Credit

 You are my life: Sei la mia vita

Positano Image Credit

‘I love you’ for family and friends: ti voglio bene

Ti voglio bene, or simply TVB, technically means I want you well, and is the commonly used I love you for friends and family.

“Italian parents and children as well as boyfriends and girlfriends express affection with ti voglio bene, which translates literally into “I want you well,” but conveys an entire universe of best wishes: “I want the best for you.” “I want all good things for you.” “I want what you want because I care so much for you.” (Dianne Hales)

Infusing Italian into your day is fun, lighthearted and joyful. So go ahead, pick a phrase and surprise a loved one with some Italian romance today.

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Resources (featuring many more ways to express love): Italy Magazine and Becoming Italian Word by Word.

For more on Valentine’s Day: Of Saints and Chocolates.

This post first appeared on Prayers and Piazzas in February 2016. For much more on Italy, please join Prayers and Piazzas at Facebook.