Spread the Love on El Día de San Valentín

Whether you just love arts and crafts or you have a crush on a native Spanish-speaker, there are tons of ways to practice Spanish this Día de San Valentín, also known as el Día del Amor y la Amistad. You can try out the following vocabulary words and phrases to tell someone how you feel. In doing so, you might even receive a valentine of your own!

As the holiday is also known as the day of love and friendship, you can leave little notes and candies for your friends, too. No romantic love is required! Shower your Spanish-speaking friends with love and affection.

How Does Spain Celebrate San Valentín?

Czytaj więcejWideo: Hiszpańsko-angielscy fałszywi przyjaciele

Celebrations in Spain look very familiar to the US and other parts of the world: couples exchange gifts, flowers, chocolates, and go out for romantic dinners. You’ll find lots of flowers and hearts in stores around town.

Many parts of the Spanish-speaking world celebrates similarly, but some countries and regions have some unique twists. For example, in Colombia, it’s actually celebrated in September. A popular tradition is amigo secreto (similar to Secret Santa). A group of friends or coworkers draw names, give a little gift, and reveal themselves at the end.

Essential San Valentín Vocabulary

Czytaj więcejAktywność online: Odmień hiszpańskie czasowniki w czasie teraźniejszym

Here are some key words you’ll likely need:

• el amor – love
• la amistad – friendship
• el/la novio/a – boyfriend/girlfriend
• el/la esposo/a – husband/wife
• la pareja – partner/couple
• el corazón – heart
• las flores – flowers
• los chocolates – chocolates
• el regalo – gift
• la cita – date
• la tarjeta – card
• el beso – kiss
• el abrazo – hug

You can combine these words in simple sentences like:

• Te doy un regalo. – I give you a gift.
• Tengo flores para ti. – I have flowers for you.
• Eres mi amor. – You are my love.

Romantic Phrases for Cards and Messages

Here are some classic phrases you can write in a Valentine’s card:

• ¡Feliz Día de San Valentín! – Happy Valentine’s Day!
• Te quiero. – I care about you / I love you (less intense).
• Te amo. – I love you (deep, romantic love).
• Me gustas mucho. – I like you a lot.
• Eres muy especial para mí. – You are very special to me.
• Gracias por tu amor y tu amistad. – Thank you for your love and friendship.
• Siempre estoy pensando en ti. – I’m always thinking about you.

If you want something short and sweet:

• Con mucho cariño. – With lots of affection.
• Con amor. – With love.

Useful Grammar Tip: “Te quiero” vs. “Te amo”

Both mean “I love you,” but they are used differently.

• Te quiero is common for partners, family members, and close friends.
• Te amo expresses deeper romantic love and is usually reserved for serious relationships.

Knowing the difference helps you sound more natural in Spanish.