Love language test

What are the five love languages?

The idea comes from counsellor Gary Chapman's 1992 book The 5 Love Languages. He noticed that couples often feel unloved not because love is missing, but because it arrives in a form they don't notice. The five are:

• Words of affirmation: compliments, thanks and encouragement said out loud.
• Quality time: undivided attention and shared experiences.
• Acts of service: practical help that makes life easier.
• Receiving gifts: thoughtful tokens that show you were remembered.
• Physical touch: hugs, holding hands and closeness.

How this test works

Every language is paired with every other one three times, so each comes up 12 times. Your score for a language is how often you chose it. Forced choices work better than rating each item, because most people would happily rate every kind of love as "very important".

What the research says

Love languages are popular, but they were not built from lab research. A 2024 review by Emily Impett, Haeyoung Gloria Park and Amy Muise found that most people value all five, and that being responsive to what a partner needs in the moment matters more than matching "languages". Use your result as a conversation starter with your partner, not a rule.

This test is our own and is not affiliated with Gary Chapman or the publisher of The 5 Love Languages®.

Questions people ask

What is the most common love language?

In large online polls, quality time and words of affirmation are usually the most common top choices, and receiving gifts the least common.

Can you have two love languages?

Yes. Most people have a clear favourite and a close second, and many value all five. The test shows your full ranking.

Do couples need the same love language?

No. Research finds that knowing and responding to what your partner needs matters far more than having the same top language.