When is "Te quiero" used to mean "I love you?""?

Question

I can come up with three phrases to express affection: 1. Te adoro. 2. Te amo. 3. Te quiero.The first two are fairly clear in intention. However, I have heard "Te quiero", which literally translates as "I want you" used to mean "I love you", especially in regards to one's children.My question is, other than my example above, in what other situations would "Te quiero" be understood as "I love you" rather than "I want you"? I would imagine using this phrase at the wrong time could be awkward, if not disastrous.

Answer 1

"Te quiero"

En el español de México esta expresión se la decimos a nuestra familia o amigos.

Te quiero es una expresión de amor. No es lo mismo que 'me gustas'

No decimos; " Amo mis zapatos, ni quiero a mi auto"

"Amo a mi esposo, a mi hijo"

"Quiero a mis parientes y a mis amigos"

"Me gusta mi casa, mi auto y mi vestido"

Answer 2

In English, people say "I love you" so frequently and most of times it could be translated to "Te quiero."

When you say "I love you" to a friend, to a pet, to a classmate, or even to a family member on a regular basis, it is just like saying "Te quiero."

You would only say "Te amo" to a person when you feel like you are really in love, with a deep passion from your heart. I say "Te quiero" to my husband and to my kids on a daily basis, and I would say "Te amo" to them (only to them, never to my friends!) only in emotional moments.