How to translate 'Will you be my valentine?' in 20 languages (2024)

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

Valentine's Day is a widely celebrated occasion around the world, known for its focus on relationships and love. While traditions may vary from country to country, the common theme is expressing affection and asking someone to be your Valentine. In different languages and cultures, the phrase "Will you be my Valentine?" is translated in various ways. Let's explore the translations and some background information for each language/culture:

English

• Translation: "Will you be my Valentine?"
• Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14 in English-speaking countries. It typically involves spending time with a loved one and exchanging gifts like cards, red roses, and chocolate.

Danish

• Translation: "Glædelig Valentinsdag" (Happy Valentine's Day)
• In Denmark, Valentine's Day is called Valentinsdag. It's a relatively new tradition inspired by the US and romantic movies. Celebrations often include roses, chocolate, or going out on a date.

Swedish

• Translation: "Massor av kärlek på alla hjärtans dag!" (Lots of love on Valentine's Day!)
• In Sweden, Valentine's Day is known as Alla hjärtans dag (All Hearts' Day). It was introduced by businesses in the 60s but gained popularity in the 90s. The day sees a peak in the sale of red roses, and many couples treat themselves to a nice meal out.

Norwegian-Bokmal

• Translation: "Vil du bli min Valentin?" (Will you be my Valentine?)
• Valentine's Day became popular in Norway a few years ago and is known as Valentinsdagen or Alle hjerters dag (All Hearts' Day).

Finnish

• Translation: "Hyvää ystävänpäivää!" (Happy Friend's Day!)
• In Finland, Valentine's Day is called ystävänpäivä, which translates to "Friend's Day." It is more focused on celebrating friendships rather than romantic relationships. Many people send postcards or messages to their friends to express their importance.

German (Germany)

• Translation: "Willst du mein Valentin(sschatz) sein?" (Do you want to be my Valentine?)
• Valentine's Day is called Valentinstag in German and has gained popularity in the last few decades. German traditions include giving cards, sweets, and flowers to loved ones and celebrating romance.

Dutch

• Translation: "Wil jij mijn Valentijn zijn?" (Will you be my Valentine?)
• In the Netherlands, Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14 as Valentijnsdag. It is a day of romantic love, especially for expressing feelings to secret lovers.

French

• Translation: "Veux-tu sortir avec moi pour la Saint-Valentin?" (Do you want to go out with me for Valentine's Day?)
• Valentine's Day is called Saint-Valentin in French. It is also the name of a small town in France known as the city of lovers. Many couples from around the world come to get married there.

Tagalog

• Translation: "Gusto mo ba akong maka-date sa Araw ng Mga Puso?" (Do you want to go on a date with me on Valentine's Day?)
• Valentine's Day is called Araw ng mga Puso in the Philippines. School children make cards for their classmates, teachers, and parents. People exchange red roses, chocolates, and teddy bears. Dinner dates at restaurants are also popular among couples.

Italian (Italy)

• Translation: "Cosa fai a San Valentino?" (What are you doing on Valentine's Day?)
• In Italy, Valentine's Day is known as La Festa Degli Innamorati. It is celebrated by couples and lovers who plan romantic dinners, go to the cinema, and exchange flowers and boxes of chocolate.

Spanish (Spain)

• Translation: "¿Quieres ser mi pareja?" (Do you want to be my partner?)
• Valentine's Day is known as Día de San Valentín or Día de los enamorados in Spain. It has been celebrated since 1948, following a large-scale advertising campaign by a department store. Celebrations usually involve sharing gifts like cards, red roses, and chocolate.

Portuguese (Portugal)

• Translation: "Queres namorar comigo?" (Do you want to date me?)
• In Portugal, Valentine's Day is known as Dia dos Namorados (Lover's Day). It is celebrated by couples who often go out for a romantic dinner and exchange presents to show their appreciation for each other.

Portuguese (Brazil)

• Translation: "Quer namorar comigo?" (Do you want to date me?)
• In Brazil, Valentine's Day (February 14) is not an important date. Instead, they celebrate Dia dos Namorados (Lovers' Day) on June 12. It is a busy day for retail, restaurants, and hotels. The word "namorar" expresses the act of having a loving relationship in Portuguese.

Greek

• Translation: "Θέλεις να γίνεις ο Βαλεντίνος μου;" (Do you want to become my Valentine?)
• In Greece, Valentine's Day is also called Η γιορτή των ερωτευμένων (Lovers' Day). It is mostly celebrated by young people and new couples. Celebrations involve red roses, gift-giving, and romantic candlelit dinners.

Russian

• Translation: "Будешь моей Валентинкой?" (Will you be my Valentine?)
• In Russia, Valentine's Day is known as День Святого Валентина (St. Valentine's Day) or День влюбленных (The Lovers' Day). It is celebrated with gifts, flowers, chocolates, romantic dinners, movies, and even marriage proposals. Some Russians consider Valentine's Day to be too Western and commercial, preferring to celebrate Peter and Fevronia Day on July 8.

Polish

• Translation: "Będziesz moją Walentynką?" (Will you be my Valentine?)
• Walentynki is a relatively new celebration in Poland. It is an opportunity for young people to send anonymous love notes, and adults often go out for a romantic dinner. Women receive flowers, and window displays are decorated with hearts.

Japanese

• Translation: "ヴァレンタインの本命はキミ" (You are my Valentine)
• Valentine's Day is considered the most romantic day of the year in Japan. Traditionally, it was seen as embarrassing for a girl to say "I love you" to someone. However, on Valentine's Day, every girl is encouraged to express her love. While it began as a day for couples, today presents are shared with friends, family, and others.

Chinese (Simplified)

• Translation: "你愿意和我过情人节吗？" (Would you like to spend Valentine's Day with me?)
• In China, there is a separate Valentine's Day called the Double Seventh Festival, which falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. It originates from an old tale and is increasingly celebrated. Western Valentine's Day is also widely celebrated by young people who, like Westerners, exchange roses with their girlfriends, for example.

Turkish

• Translation: "Sevgililer günün kutlu olsun" (Happy Lover's Day)
• In Turkey, Valentine's Day is called Sevgililer Günü (Lover's Day). It is a day to surprise your significant other with a gift, an evening out, or another suitable present and wish them a happy Valentine's Day.

Korean (South Korea)

• Translation: "밸런타인데이를 함께 보내주실래요?" (Would you like to spend Valentine's Day together?)
• In South Korea, Valentine's Day is called 밸런타인데이 (Valentine's Day), borrowed from English. The day is primarily focused on men. Women typically give a box of chocolate to their boyfriends or to someone they want to ask out.

These translations and background information provide a glimpse into how Valentine's Day is celebrated in different languages and cultures. It's a day to express love and affection, whether it's for romantic partners, friends, or family members.