έρωτας
érotas/ˈe.ɾo.tas/
The Greek word for "eros" is έρωτας (érotas).
έρωτας is used to describe physical love or sexual desire.
Meaning: physical love, sexual desire (noun)
Which one should you use?
While έρωτας refers to intense physical or sexual desire, the word αγάπη is the more common term used for general, selfless or companionate love.
How does it change in a sentence?
έρωτας is a masculine noun that changes to έρωτα when it functions as the direct object of a sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈe.ɾo.tas/. It has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In Greek mythology, Έρως was not always a baby with a bow. In the earliest traditions, he was a primordial deity and one of the first beings to emerge from Chaos at the beginning of the universe.
- In Ancient Greek, the term ἔρως was not restricted to romantic or sexual love, but was also used in philosophy to describe the intense 'desire' for knowledge or truth.
- In classical Greek-speaking cultures, the concept of έρωτας was often viewed as a form of 'divine madness' that could temporarily take over a person's reason.
Example conversation
Dimitris and Eleni are discussing their feelings while walking.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΝιώθω ότι αυτός είναι αληθινός έρωτας.Niótho óti aftós einai alithinós érotas.I feel that this is true love.
- Ελένη EleniΚι εγώ νιώθω το ίδιο, Δημήτρη.Ki egó niótho to ídio, Dímitri.I feel the same, Dimitris.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΕίναι η πιο όμορφη αίσθηση.Einai i pio ómorphi aísthisi.It is the most beautiful feeling.
- Ελένη EleniΣυμφωνώ απόλυτα, Ελένη το λέει.Symfonó apólyta, Eléni to léei.I completely agree, Eleni says so.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry έρωτας, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
