Saying "I love you" in another language adds a secretive and exotic element, which you don't have when you say it in Indonesian. European languages are a great place to start getting your feelings across. Begin with Step 1 to learn how to successfully tell someone you care about in French, German, and Italian.
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Method 1 of 3: In French
Step 1. Master the basics
Like any language, there are many ways to tell someone you love them. Start with the simple and then the complex. You may feel nervous at first, so it's better to start small.
- "I love you" is "Je t'aime". Sounds like zhuh - tem. This phrase is the deepest way to tell someone you care about.
- "I adore you" is "Je t'adore". It sounds like zhuh - tah - door (the r is very soft and just needs a hint).
- "I want you" is "Je te désire". It sounds like zhuh - tuh - duh - zai - uh.
Step 2. Practice, practice, and practice
As with all things, practice will make it much easier for you to pronounce these words. Sounds in French are not the same as in Indonesian; practice the accent and the words.
Almost all translation websites have audio options. Listen to a native speaker say the words and imitate the sound exactly. There are also many videos on the web that can show you the proper shape of the mouth and tongue to produce the sound
Step 3. Be creative
Once you understand "Je t'aime," try another, more varied phrase to express how you feel. There are many poetic and meaningful ways to show your emotions.
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Add love language. Just as you say "I love you, baby" or "I love you, my sweetie", the same is true in French. "Mon amour", "ma/mon chéri(e)", and "mon bébé" add to the beauty of the phrase. The meanings are "my love", "my sweet", and "my darling". "Ma chérie" is used for women; "mon chéri" is used for men.
The possessive adjectives "mon" and "ma" ("ku") follow the gender of the affection language -- not the gender of you or the person you're talking to. In general, masculine love language can be used for both men and women. Meanwhile, feminine love language can only be used for women
Method 2 of 3: In German
Step 1. Pronounce it correctly
Different German languages may pronounce "Ich" ("I") in different ways and it is usually impossible to spell it correctly in English or Indonesian. The sound is [ɪç] in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), a phoneme that does not exist in English or Indonesian.
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However, English once had this phoneme. Place your mouth as if you would say the English word " human " or the Indonesian word " avoid ". The first sound of the word-when air will come out of an “h” but your mouth is ready to say “u” or “i”-is very similar to [ç]. Now put "ih" in front to be able to pronounce "Ich" correctly.
Many websites write "ish" or "esh." The sound is quite similar, but not perfect. Imagine "sh", but place the center of your tongue against the roof of your mouth, spread your tongue out, and make an "sh" sound. It might sound funny at first
Step 2. Combine all the phrases
Now that you've learned "Ich", you can try the whole phrase: Ich liebe dich.
- "Liebe" is a little easier. The second syllable, "buh", has an "r" sign. Imagine the pronunciation in the English word " burn ". The pronunciation of "liebe" is somewhere between lee-buh and lee-bur.
- "Dich" has the same sound as "Ich." Put a "d" in front of it and you're all set!
Step 3. Speak easily
Practice again and again until you can say [ç] and softly say the invisible "r". Ich liebe dich, Ich liebe dich. Understand?
Don't be tempted to use "du" instead of "dich". "Du" does mean you, but it is used in the nominative case. German uses cases and here, "you" must use the accusative case
Method 3 of 3: In Italian
Step 1. Know the subtle differences
In Italian, there are two main phrases to say that you love someone: Ti amo and Ti voglio bene. The difference between these two phrases slowly changes as the language changes and develops.
- "Ti amo" denotes a sensual relationship. There is an element of passion in it.
- "Ti voglio bene" is not very sensual. It means more to "I love you" as a human being, as someone who deserves the sacrifice of your life. This phrase is less serious because it lacks passion, but more serious because of the meaning of commitment.
Step 2. Choose your phrase and pronounce it correctly
Once you've decided on a more appropriate phrase, start practicing saying it. "Ti amo" is a little easier than "Ti voglio bene", but both are easy.
- "Ti amo" is pretty simple: tee ah-mo. As simple as that!
- "Ti voglio bene" sounds like a VOH-lee-oh BAY-neh tee. Imagine a vowel in English "bay" or Indonesian "be"bek.
Step 3. Say the phrase
You can say it without thinking about it, you've practiced, and now you're ready! When the time is right, tell him. All your hard work will definitely pay off.
If appropriate, add "cara mia." It means "my dear". Imagine: cara mia, ti voglio bene. You can almost hear the beating heart from there
Tips
- Practice saying it to yourself at least 2-3 times before you say it to someone. You don't want to mispronounce it and accidentally say something else!
- Take a breath. Chances are they'll know you've tried, even if yours isn't perfect.
