I miss you
A very common alternative, especially in Spain. It means the same as 'Te extraño' and is used in the same situations.
A more intense phrase, literally 'you are lacking to me.' Use this to express a deep sense of need for the person.
A softer, less direct way to express that someone is on your mind. It means 'I'm thinking of you.'
I miss you a lot. When are you coming to visit me?
My family lives in another country. I miss them every day.
Since you left, I really miss having you in the house.
Hi! I'm just calling to say I'm thinking of you.
'Te extraño' is the most common and widely understood phrase across most of Latin America, including Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina.
In Spain, 'Te echo de menos' is the standard and much more common phrase. While 'Te extraño' is understood, it can sound more literary or formal.
In countries like Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, both 'Te extraño' and 'Te echo de menos' are common.
Using 'extrañar' for missing an event or transportation. — The verb 'extrañar' is only for missing people, pets, or places. To say you missed the bus, use the verb 'perder'. For example: 'Perdí el bus' (I missed the bus), not 'Extrañé el bus'.
Literally translating 'I miss you' as 'Yo te pierdo'. — 'Perder' means 'to lose'. 'Yo te pierdo' means 'I am losing you', which has a very different and more dramatic meaning. Use the correct fixed expressions: 'Te extraño' or 'Te echo de menos'.
Incorrectly structuring 'Me haces falta'. — Learners sometimes say 'Yo te hago falta'. The phrase works like 'gustar'. The person you miss is the one 'making' the feeling. 'Tú me haces falta' means 'You are lacking to me' (I miss you). 'Yo te hago falta' means 'I am lacking to you' (You miss me).
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