This turned out to be a bit of a challenge to me because my wife’s first language is an east-Asian language that is not related to English at all. I understand what she says to me in her language – both the literal meanings of the words, as well as the idiomatic meaning, and the background of them, so they sound beautiful to me. However; when I start trying to translate words to a completely unrelated language, they don’t always sound so beautiful. Sometimes, they make no sense, and sometimes, they sound corny or overdone.
I decided what I’d do is put which language she says these things in, and translate the implied meaning – what they mean in context and what they mean to me. I think the lesson learned from this is to learn the lady’s background and listen to what comes from her heart. If it sounds a bit overdone, look to see if it is in her language that this is spoken.
Please feel free to add yours below mine. I’d like the ladies to have a chance to hear what we like to hear from them. My case may be specialized enough that it may be difficult to draw from. Other husbands may be able to contribute more here.
I love you (both in her language, and in mine).
Do well (In her language: Implies “Be successful.” This is part of our farewell every morning, or every time I travel to take on a task.) Everyone likes to be encouraged, and to know someone is cheering for them.
Have Power (In her language: Implies I should draw from her, and be strong, push forward, and get the job done. This is an encouragement whenever I need encouragement).
I’m proud of you (In her language or mine). This happens only when I’ve really accomplished something, and that timing feeds into my need for sincerity. I may hear this after getting a promotion, or getting recognized for efforts on a project. Hearing my wife say this to me has a profoundly motivating effect on me. I’m ready to take on the next task.
You did well (In her language.) It’s always so nice to be acknowledged when I’ve worked hard at something.
You’re such a good husband! (Both her language and mine). No further words needed. Who wouldn’t feel appreciated when they hear this regularly?
I love sitting in my home office and listening to her talking with her friends. There is an axiom in her culture that says that love is dead after 20 years of marriage. I learned that axiom by listening to her friends talk. Her friends often complain about their husbands and say that they don’t like their husbands or that they’re tired of their husbands. I always hear my wife disagree with them and say she loves me, she’s proud of me, I’m a good man, It doesn’t have to be like that, and tell things that we’ve done together or that I’ve done for her. It’s nice to hear her remember things I did for her, and it’s very nice to hear her talk nice about me to her friends when it would be so easy to just go along with them. But she stands up to them, and stands up for me. It makes me feel so secure, and lets me know she is sincere when she tells me she loves me. I’m disappointed her friends feel like they do about their husbands, but I like hearing that my wife will stand up for me.
Sometimes, we pause and embrace. The top of her head reaches about the bottom of my ear, so when we hug, her nose is usually near the top of my shoulder. She often snuggles her nose into the front of my shirt, breathes in, smiles and closes her eyes as she exhales and says either in her language or in mine,
“mmm, my husband’s smell.” Wow! What comfort and intimacy that communicates! I love to smell her just as much as she says she loves to smell me.
Sometimes, when I get out of the shower, she’s in the bathroom getting ready. She usually says either in her language or mine:
”Ooh, sexy man! It may be in a bit of a playful tone sometimes, but there is enough sincerity in it. It lets me know that she still finds me attractive. You know, sometimes men need to know that.
“You’re so handsome!” (Usually in her language. She uses different words when she says it in English). What man doesn’t need to hear this from his wife sometimes?
Okay, wait a minute. Talk to your dad about it. Two of our three kids are grown, graduated college, and are out on their own. She says this – usually in English – just before she hands the phone to me. It’s not that she doesn’t want to deal with what they’re talking about, it’s just that she thinks they need my input. It’s nice to be needed. It’s also nice to see your lady demonstrate to you that she thinks you’re a capable dad.
When I’m old, I want to be together with you. (Language isn’t important)
If you’re not here, I can’t continue on. (Her language) This is a beautiful way she has of telling me she needs me. I need to feel needed.
When we’re old, I want us to look like them. (Usually in her language) This is something she tells me when we’re out and see an elderly couple walking hand in hand enjoying each other’s company.
And it’s great when she sometimes jokes, even about things that may have meaning to them. For example, when I hear that
“woohoo, sexy butt” from her if she follows me up the stairs in our house
. Men are playful. The way she plays almost always makes me feel good.
I appreciate that or
Thank you (Either language) She always makes it a point to tell me she appreciates what I’ve done – especially if I’ve done something like clean the kitchen after the meal, or fold the laundry. When I know she notices and appreciates, I’m more likely to think of it next time without any prompting.
Of course, this is nowhere near everything I like hearing from her. These are some of my favorites, though. I’ll hear at least one of these almost every day. Most days, I’ll hear several things from her that I really like to hear. It certainly makes me anxious to get home in the evenings to see her. It feels good to be told nice things.
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Things I like to hear from my wife 
Re: Things I like to hear from my wife 
