Expressing affection in Spanish can be a romantic gesture, but it's essential to get it right. While 'Te quiero' is a common way to say 'I love you,' it's not an exact translation of the phrase you might be thinking of. A more literal and affectionate way to say 'I love you' in Spanish would be 'Te amo,' which literally means 'you are mine.' The pronunciation is similar to 'Tay ah-moh,' with a slightly stronger emphasis on the second syllable. If you want to convey your love with even greater passion, try saying it with feeling: take a deep breath, and speak from the heart.