Te amo is
Spanish for I love you, however, Spanish has
two phrases that translate to the English I love you. The two are not identical and cannot be used interchangeably. The difference is that te amo is said only to close loved ones, and means a deep or profound love (amo - the verb
amar means love). Te quiero is used more casually, and actually translates as I want you (quiero - the verb querer means want). Having two phrases for I love you is not only useful, but kinda
cool, as saying I want you is definitely sexier than saying I love you.