Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and love is in the air. There’s nothing quite like hearing words of affection uttered from the one you love, or sweet nothings whispered in your ear. If there was ever the perfect day to tell that special someone how you feel, it’s Valentine’s Day! So, let’s prepare.
English, like most languages, has all sorts of different ways to express love and affection. Love makes the world go ‘round, after all, so it only makes sense that we’ve developed all sorts of romantic words in English.
We’ve compiled a list of 21 romantic phrases in English - 11 phrases to express your love and 10 terms of endearment words - so that you can mix and match to create the perfect, bespoke expression of love toward your crush or partner this Valentine’s Day (and pronounce it with confidence ).
Whether you’ve just been hit by Cupid’s arrow or you’re in a loving, long-term relationship, be sure to tell that special someone exactly how much they mean to you with these dating phrases in English.
1. You sweep me off my feet Every so often, we meet someone who charms us in a way that sets them apart from the rest. There's something so alluring about that person, and the feeling you get when you're with them just can't be matched. In English, when we feel this way, we say that a person has "swept us off our feet." We know this idiom has some tricky sounds in it, but one of our expert BoldVoice coaches is here to help with your pronunciation.
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If you're lucky enough to have a special person as your date this Valentine's Day, be sure to let them know just how much they mean to you. To express your love and affection using a timeless romantic phrase in English, don't forget to tell your date "you sweep me off my feet."
2. I’m crazy about you It’s no secret - love can drive us crazy. It puts us under a spell, forcing us to make crazy decisions that we would never make under normal circumstances. When someone grabs a hold of your heart, it can feel as if you're powerless to resist.
For those who have been in love, this craziness is almost certainly relatable. Even power couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z know what we’re talking about:
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To express your deep love and devotion to your date this Valentine’s Day, consider telling them “I’m crazy about you” to showcase just how much they mean to you.
3. I’m falling for you A better option for newer couples, “I’m falling for you” describes the act of falling in love.
The metaphor ‘to fall in love’ is a good one, too. It really does feel like falling down - it can feel ungrounded and out of control, picking up speed as you go. It’s a vulnerable position, and the feeling you get in your stomach when you fall in love is not unlike the feeling you get when you go bungee jumping.
If you haven’t yet said “I love you” and you want to express your deep care and interest in your date, “I’m falling for you” could be the perfect choice this Valentine’s Day.
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4. You’re the light of my life
When someone is the light of your life, they’re the source of your joy. They’re the reason you get up in the morning. You see them in blossoming flowers and you hear them in birdsongs. When someone is the light of your life, you cherish them and the positive impact they have on all that you do.
If you want to express your deep-held love this Valentine’s Day but add a bit more of a poetic flair, look no further than “you’re the light of my life.”
5. You’re my everything Similar in meaning to “you’re the light of my life,” “you’re my everything” is short and sweet and to-the-point. That doesn’t make it less romantic, though - this dating phrase in English is powerful and impactful, despite being just 3 words.
If your date values realness and authenticity over grand gestures and flourish, “you’re my everything” is sure to pull on their heartstrings.
6. You mean the world to me
Along the same lines as “you’re my everything” and “you’re the light of my life,” this dating phrase in English expresses your deep care for your partner and the huge impact they have on your life.
The focus in this phrase lies on how much they mean to you. If you’re looking to highlight the strength of your love this Valentine’s Day, “you mean the world to me” could be just the love words in English you’re looking for.
7. I love you to the moon and back
“I love you to the moon and back” is the perfect way to say “I love you” and then some. It’s a phrase that tells your lover just how committed you are, highlighting the grand nature of your feelings for them while adding a poetic flair.
If your goal is to have your partner swooning this Valentine’s Day, make sure to include the phrase “I love you to the moon and back.” If you really want to impress them, take your date stargazing, or to the planetarium, and show off your new phrase at just the right moment - you’ll know when.
8. You’re the apple of my eye
Although it might sound strange at first, this is a classic expression of affection and a great choice for Valentine’s Day, especially if your date is a history buff or a fan of literature. Or, well, a fan of apples.
Although we can’t be 100% certain about the origins of this phrase, we do know it’s old - really old. In use since Old English, this expression of love appears in the Bible (though it has no religious undertones) and it’s even used in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
If you or your date enjoy the romance of tradition, “you’re the apple of my eye” is sure to set their heart aflutter.
9. You make my heart skip a beat
This romantic phrase in English is figurative - maybe don’t use this one if you struggle with heart palpitations. When used to express love and affection, it’s a way to tell your partner or date that they excite you and make you feel strong emotions.
Have you ever looked across a crowded room to see your crush, and the mere sight of them gives you shortness of breath and butterflies in your stomach? If you have, and if that person is your date this Valentine’s Day, you can express that exact emotion by telling them “you make my heart skip a beat.”
10. I’m madly in love with you Similar to “I’m crazy about you,” this phrase of affection also touches on the craziness of the sensation of being deeply in love with someone (in this context, “mad” means crazy rather than angry).
These expressions refer to the same phenomenon as the French “amour fou,” translating to “mad love” or “crazy love.” It’s the sort of love that feels passionate, uncontrollable, and life-altering - almost obsessive.
To express your deep love and devotion this Valentine’s Day, with a particular emphasis on passion, “I’m madly in love with you” is just the phrase you’re looking for.
11. I’m head over heels for you Another classic, “head over heels” dates all the way back to the 1300s. Originally “heels over head,” the expression referred to being upside down. It’s not so different from saying “crazy for you” or “madly in love”... there might be a theme emerging here.
Although “I’m head over heels for you” does indeed express passionate love, it’s not quite as intense as “I’m madly in love with you.” It leans more towards cuteness than passion. If that’s the mood you’re hoping to convey to your Valentine this year, this is the romantic expression for you.
It should be noted that for these romantic phrases to yield the intended results, your date must be able to understand. Very few things kill a mood like miscommunication! Use the BoldVoice app to practice these romantic phrases in English and receive immediate pronunciation feedback so you can be confident when you're whispering sweet nothings to your lover.
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12. Sweetheart Now we move on to terms of endearment in English. A term of endearment is essentially a little nickname that you use to refer to your crush or partner, signifying your affection.
While many people will create their own unique romantic nicknames based on the person’s given name or a shared experience, there are a handful of classic terms of endearment in English that are commonly used and widely accepted as romantic.
Among those is the term “Sweetheart.” Shortened to “Sweetie,” this is a classic among English love phrases and a wholesome way to refer to your partner and show them you care on a regular basis. You might say something like “I’m crazy about you, Sweetheart.”
13. Darling Slightly more old-fashioned, “darling” can make someone weak in the knees if you know how to use it. Its old-fashioned nature is not a drawback - in fact, it’s part of the charm.
Calling your partner “darling” is both loving and playful, and a great way to put a smile on their face this Valentine’s Day. Give it a try with “I’m falling for you, Darling” and see how it rolls right off the tongue!
14. Love “Love” is another term of affection used in English for many years, across many cultures. Short and sweet, it doesn’t waste any time in getting straight to the point - it’s a way to express your love for a person.
You might call them “Love” or “my love,” with the latter being a touch more personal. The next time your partner makes your heart feel warm and full, try looking at them and saying “my love, you’re the light of my life.”
15. Honey
“Honey” is the perfect nickname for a lover who is sweet and pleasant in nature. Shortened to “Hun,” this is a tried-and-true term of endearment that works in all sorts of dynamics, romantic partnerships included.
If you’re looking to show your fondness for your date and their bright and cheery demeanor this Valentine’s Day, consider saying “Honey, I'm madly in love with you" or "you sweep me off my feet, Hun."
16. Babe “Babe” or “Baby” are extremely common, but they’re favorites for a reason. Often used between long-term partners, these terms of endearment just roll right off the tongue like second nature.
Don’t get confused - calling your partner “Baby” has nothing to do with actual babies. The term is so commonly-used that it’s far removed from any idea of infancy, and is instead a classic and quick way to get your lover’s attention in an affectionate way. For instance, you might express your feelings by saying “you mean the world to me, Baby” this Valentine’s Day.
17. Boo Typically used by younger couples, “Boo” is a cute way to refer to a romantic partner that’s sure to make them blush. Try it out on your Valentine with “I love you to the moon and back, Boo.”
Or, listen to Chris Brown’s “With You” for some more examples of how you can use the term “Boo” to woo your loved one. In fact, the song is one long lesson in romantic phrases and terms of endearment in English.
18. Sunshine
For just a single word, “Sunshine” sure packs a punch (in the best way). Perfect for someone who’s bright and joyous, “Sunshine” evokes warmth and love in the sweetest way.
Try saying “you’re the apple of my eye, Sunshine” to court your date this Valentine’s Day, or if you’re musical in nature, consider performing a cover of this all-time classic tune by Jimmie Davis:
19. Dear Another somewhat old-fashioned term, “Dear” can still tug on the heartstrings today when used correctly. This phrase is caring and respectful, and can even be altered slightly to become “Dearie.”
Have you ever heard the French term “mon chéri” or “ma chérie?” “Dear” expresses the same sentiment. Try it out on your Valentine with “you make my heart skip a beat, Dear.”
20. Sexy Beware, the term of endearment “Sexy” isn’t the most innocent on the list. But who knows, it could be just what you need this Valentine’s Day!
Infused with passion and desire, “Sexy” as a loving nickname could be used to set the mood or pay a bold compliment to your date. Understanding the nuance is imperative here - this isn’t a term of endearment you’d use in front of your grandmother.
21. Sugar
Just like “Honey” and “Sweetheart,” the term “Sugar” follows the theme of sweetness. Perfect for someone kind and caring, “Sugar” is a cute way to express your appreciation for your partner and the sweetness they bring to the table.
“I’m head over heels for you, Sugar” flows so smoothly, and it’s downright adorable. Equipped with a phrase like that, you’re sure to sweep your Valentine right off their feet!
Find the Right Words for That Special Someone Expressing nuanced emotions, especially the lovey-dovey kind, isn’t easy - even in your first language. When it comes to expressing love and affection in English as a non-native speaker, the task can feel daunting and confusing.
That’s where BoldVoice steps in to help. A comprehensive American English accent-learning app complete with lessons from Hollywood accent coaches, advanced AI features, and instantaneous feedback, you can accelerate your learning and pronounce words with confidence the next time you serenade the apple of your eye with English love phrases.
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