How to Say ‘I love you.’ in Japanese
大好きだよ。
daisuki da yo
[dye-ski dah yoh]
💬 Usage Tip: [大好き] = “really like/love.” [だよ] makes it casual/intimate. Stronger/more dramatic than [好きだよ].
🇯🇵 In Japan: Japanese couples may say [大好き] more often than [愛してる], which can sound heavy. [大好きだよ] is a common, warm “real feelings” line.
Phrase Breakdown
大好き
daisuki
[dye-ski]
love (someone/something) a lot; really like
Means “(I) really love/like (you).” Very common in dating; stronger than 好き but not as heavy/formal as 愛してる. Often used to reassure a partner.
会えなくても大好きだよ。
Even if we can’t meet, I really love you.
だよ
da yo
is (casual) + emphasis
だ is casual “is,” and よ adds emphasis/new information to the listener. 大好きだよ = “I really love you (you know).”
本当だよ。
It’s true, you know.
Words in this phrase
だ
da
[dah]
(plain copula) is/are; to be
Links the feeling word to the listener in casual speech. In 「大好きだ」 it functions like “(I) do (love you)” / “(I) really love you” in a direct, informal tone.
今も大好きだよ。
I still really love you now.
よ
yo
[yoh]
(sentence-ending particle) you know; (emphasis)
Adds emotional emphasis and warmth. In 「大好きだよ」 it can sound like reassurance during an honest relationship conversation (e.g., after a serious talk).
心配しないで、大好きだよ。
Don’t worry—I really love you.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation scenarios made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“Moved to Tokyo and the polite vs. casual speech levels were killing me. This app breaks it all down with real scenarios. My coworkers noticed the difference in weeks.”
Kevin Z., 31, Game Developer
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager