Formal:
* 爱 (ài): This is the most common and general term for love. It can be used for romantic love, familial love, or love for friends.
Informal:
* 喜欢 (xǐ huan): This means "like" but can also be used for romantic love, especially in informal situations.
* 爱恋 (ài liàn): This is a more poetic and romantic way to say "love."
* 爱慕 (ài mù): This implies a strong admiration or infatuation.
Specific to romantic love:
* 恋爱 (liàn ài): This means "to be in love" or "romance."
* 爱情 (ài qíng): This is a more literary term for "romantic love."
Other variations:
* 深爱 (shēn ài): This means "to love deeply."
* 热恋 (rè liàn): This means "to be in a passionate love."
* 相爱 (xiāng ài): This means "to love each other."
The best choice depends on the context and the level of formality. For example, you might say "我爱你 (wǒ ài nǐ)" ("I love you") to your partner, but "我喜欢你 (wǒ xǐ huan nǐ)" ("I like you") to a friend.