αγάπη
agápi/aˈɣa.pi/feminine
The English word 'darling' can be translated into Greek as αγάπη (agápi). Wiktionary also lists λατρεία (latreía).
Meaning: often used as an affectionate term of address: person who is very dear to one (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| αγάπη | agápi | /aˈɣa.pi/ | feminine |
| λατρεία | latreía | feminine |
αγάπη is an endearing noun used to refer to a person who is very dear to someone. It is a very common way to address a romantic partner, a child or a very close family member. Other related adjectives include χαριτωμένος for someone who is very cute or lovable, and λατρεμένος or πολυαγαπημένος for someone who is very dear, beloved or cherished.
Which one should you use?
λατρεία is another feminine noun that is available in the language.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the noun αγάπη as a term of address, it is most natural to pair it with the possessive pronoun μου to form αγάπη μου, meaning 'my darling' or 'my love'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /aˈɣa.pi/. It has three syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- While αγάπη is used for 'darling' today, the word λατρεία originally referred specifically to the worship of a deity. Using it for a person implies a love so deep it borders on religious devotion.
- When Greeks use αγάπη μου in a conversation, it often serves as a 'social lubricant' to soften a request or a correction, making the interaction feel warmer.
- While αγάπη means 'love', calling someone αγάπη μου is so common that it is frequently used by grandmothers and even shopkeepers to address people they are not related to.
Examples in context
- Τι τρέχει, αγάπη μου;What's the matter, darling?This sentence shows how to use αγάπη when asking someone what is wrong.Tatoeba #3799998 by Zeus, translation #3799200 by Hybrid
- Πώς κάνεις, αγάπη μου;How are you, my darling?
- Πάμε, καρδούλα μου, για ένα περίπατο;Shall we go for a walk, my darling?
- Καλημέρα, αγάπη μου.Kalimera, agapi mou.Good morning, my darling.
Example conversation
A couple is having coffee in a quiet cafe.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΠώς είσαι σήμερα, αγάπη μου;Pos eisai simera, agapi mou;How are you today, my darling?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΕίμαι πολύ καλά, Αναστασία.Eimai poly kala, Anastasia.I am very well, Anastasia.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΧαίρομαι πολύ, Δημήτρη.Cheromai poly, Dimitri.I am very happy, Dimitris.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΚι εγώ επίσης.Ki ego episis.And I as well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “darling” translations and entries αγάπη, λατρεία, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
