Spanish word

amar

Pronunciation

IPA/aˈmaɾ/

Meaning

  • verblove

Example

Yo amo a mi familia.

I love my family.

Illustration for amar (love)

More examples

Ella ama la música clásica.

She loves classical music.

Core concept

Deep, lasting affection that seeks another's well-being.

Common phrases

  • amar a alguien

    love someone

  • amar la vida

    love life

  • amar la música

    love music

Similar words

querer: Feel warm, personal affection and attachment toward someone, showing care and closeness.
gustar: Find a person or thing pleasing and enjoyable, experiencing mild liking or interest.
encantar: Feel strong delight or enchantment for something or someone, with intense attraction.
apreciar: Recognize and value someone's or something's good qualities, often with gratitude or respect.

Definition in Spanish

Experimentar un cariño intenso y duradero hacia una persona, un animal o una idea, y procurar su bien.

Word origin

From Latin amare 'to love', cognate with Italian amore and French amour, it retained the sense of deep, enduring love.

Usage tips

  • Amar expresses intense romantic or familial love (te amo), while querer and verbs like gustar or encantar cover more casual liking.

Other meanings

  • cherishverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word