1. Mahal kita. = I love you.

This is the most common way of saying 'I Love You.' This phrase can be used with anyone, from your grandfather (Mahal kita, Lolo) to your child (Mahal kita, Anak).

2. Iniibig kita. = I love you.

This is a very dramatic way of declaring your love for someone. A bit old-fashioned, but it's the sort of phrase you use with an object of romantic affections.

3. Miss kita. = I miss you.

Filipinos have incorporated a lot of English words into their vocabulary, including the verb for missing someone's presence. If you really, really miss someone, you can say either one of the following sentences:

Miss na miss kita. = I really miss you.
Miss kita talaga. = I really miss you.

4. Ingat ka. = Take care.

This is a very sweet thing to say in Tagalog. It sounds so much better than the English translation. Variations include:

Mag-ingat ka. = Do take care.
Lagi kang mag-ingat. = Always take care.
Ingat ka lagi. = Always take care. (Used in letters more than in conversation.)


5. May gusto ako sa iyo. = I have a crush on you.

As a noun, the Tagalog word gusto means an infatuation with someone.


6. Gusto kita. = I like you.

As a verb, the word gusto means "to want" and "to like".

Gusto kitang makita. = I want to see you.
Gusto kitang tawagan. = I want to call you.


7. Iniisip kita. = I'm thinking of you.

Lagi kitang iniisip. = I always think of you.
Iniisip kita lagi. = I always think of you.


8. Hihintayin kita. = I'll wait for you.

Nothing melts a Filipina's heart like this expression of patience. Whether it's waiting for her to finish getting ready or waiting for her to say yes to your proposal, it simply is an endearing phrase. She doesn't want to be rushed and it's a sign of your thoughtfulness that you're willing to wait for her however long it takes.


9. Huwag kang mag-alala. Akong bahala.
= Don't worry. I'll take care of it.

The combination of these two phrases is music to a Filipina's ears. Don't stress her out with your own difficulty in finding parking. Don't insist she pick a wine when it wasn't her idea to come to such a fancy restaurant. Don't make her share in your anxiety over how much to tip the server.

Whether a small matter or a big one, tell her you'll take care of it and do! Let her sit back and relax.


10. Ikaw ang lahat sa akin. = You are everything to me.
Tell her how much she means to you.