What is the best translation from italian to english for:

ti voglio bene

I'm not convinced that the use of this phrase has an equal partner in english.

What do you think?

It doesn't have an equal partner in english because like french and spanish, affirmations of love are very direct and precise, it is an declaration of affection or deep caring, to a VERY close friend or a family member. Much different then just 'amora'.

Just so you know, I do speak fluent italian, but I wrote a poem years ago that was trying to include interpretations of what it might mean in English. I'm editing it now, and I would love some possible translations. For now, all I have in my mind is "i want well for you," but that sounds terrible. It sounds like you care about the person, but that perhaps you would prefer to care about them from afar. :) that's certainly not what the italians mean when they say it, no?

You're right about the family part - here you would never say "ti amo" or "i love you" to your parents. That's only for your significant other, really. For one's parents it's "ti voglio bene!"

But in English the word LOVE has many meanings, depending on how it is used. The love of a parent, the love of a activity, the love of a friend, the love of a spouse, or love as a sexual act ( and I am usre there are more)

It may not have an equal partner in English. And, agreement with Fr_Chuck's answer above, it may make a difference as to the interpretation or translation of it, depending on the context in which it is used.

There seems to be considerable debate as well as possible good answers when a person tries a Google search for the phrase.

ti voglio bene - Google Search