- 1). Learn the different meanings behind each phrase of love you find. This is more important than it might seem at first glance. The words "suki" and "aishiteru" can both mean you love a person, but "suki" is usually considered a softer term that's open for interpretation; it can also just mean you really like them without actually loving them. Japanese people use this softer term a lot, because it's not as common to say you love someone in Japan as it is in other countries. "Dai suki" is another variation, meaning you like or love that person a great deal. "Aishiteru" suggests more of a commitment on your part, so don't use it unless that's what you'd like to convey. "Koi" can also mean love, but it's more connected to physical passion and shouldn't be used to describe a relationship based on love. However, you'll often hear the word "koibito", which means lover.
- 2). Learn phrases that describe what it is you like about a person, keeping in mind that words with similar literal translations can have different connotations. For example, "bijin" is a word to describe a beautiful woman, but it often takes on connotations of calling a woman hot rather than beautiful and may be inappropriate in certain situations. "Kirei desu" is a simpler way to say someone is beautiful; "kirei na onna hito" can also mean beautiful woman, but isn't always used in casual conversation unless you tend to speak politely.
- 3). Seek out someone who speaks Japanese to help you perfect what you want to say. It should be someone you're comfortable enough with that you don't mind asking for help in this matter. Although this step is optional, it can help you avoid a potential social blunder by using a word or phrase that may not mean exactly what you want to convey, or even insult the recipient by mistake. You'd be surprised how different a love confession can sound if you start it with an otherwise common phrase that doesn't fit well.
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