Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, and love is in the air. We’ll get to that and other common expressions of love in just a minute, but first let’s talk about the holiday. Celebrated on February 14th in many countries around the world, this day originated as a Christian holiday celebrating one or more early saints named Valentinus. Over the centuries, it evolved to become a holiday celebrating romantic love. These days, it’s a very commercial holiday, with love-birds giving each other gifts such as cards, flowers, chocolates, or jewelry. This is a day to express your love for that special someone. When learning English, the phrase “I love you” is commonly taught. That’s boring, though! Why not learn some more expressions of love for Valentine’s Day?

Expressions of Love for Valentine’s Day

Image by Dennis Skley from flickr.com.

Here are 15 common expressions of love that you can try to use this Valentine’s Day, including a definition and an example for each:

• fall in love = when you come to love someone
  • “We fell in love after dating for a month.”
• love at first sight = when you fall in love right away
  • “When I met her, it was love at first sight.”
• first love = the person you first fell in love with
  • “He was my first love, way back in high school.”
• puppy love = love between younger people (teenagers or younger)
  • “My son has a case of puppy love. It’s so adorable!”
• love of my life = the person you want to spend the rest of your life with
  • “Of course we’re going to get married. He’s the love of my life!”
• lovey-dovey = being overly affectionate
  • “I can’t stand watching those two be so lovey-dovey all the time!”
• love birds = two people who are obviously in love
  • “Look at these two love birds. You guys are so cute!”
• love is in the air = a loving/romantic atmosphere
  • “Valentine’s Day is this week, and love is in the air.”
• crazy in love/madly in love = a way to express deep love
  • “I just can’t stop thinking about her. I’m madly in love!”
• head over heels (in love) = to be very in love with someone
  • “How are things with your new boyfriend?”
  • “Great! I’m head over heels for him already!”
• love will find a way = love will overcome other obstacles
  • “He has to move for his job but she’s not going with him. I wonder if they’ll stay together.”
  • “Hopefully love will find a way.”
• love-hate relationship = to both love and hate someone/something at the same time
  • “They’re always fighting and then making up. They have such a love-hate relationship.”
• love is blind = when you love someone, you can’t see their faults
  • “Doesn’t he realize she’s just using him for his money?”
  • “I don’t think so. You know what they say – love is blind.”
• a love rat = a man who has an affair while in a relationship
  • “I can’t believe he cheated on her! He’s such a love rat!”
• a love nest = a place where two lovers meet (usually when having an affair)
  • “Did you know that he has a love nest where he meets his mistress?”

Try using some of those love expressions this Valentine’s Day! I’ll leave you with my favorite lovey-dovey song – “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” by Elton John from the movie The Lion King. Try singing along for more English practice!

Are there any interesting ways to express love in your language? Try to explain them in English and leave us a comment!