σε λατρεύω
se latrevo
The Greek phrase for "I adore you" is σε λατρεύω (se latrevo).
This phrase is used to express a strong sense of love or deep affection for someone.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the pronoun σε, which means "you" and the verb λατρεύω, which means "I adore" or "I worship".
Which one should you use?
While σε αγαπώ is the standard way to say "I love you", σε λατρεύω is more intense and implies a sense of worship or extreme devotion.
How do you pronounce it?
se latrevo
Did you know?
- In its original Ancient Greek sense, λατρεύω did not mean to love, but rather to serve as a slave or to serve the gods through prayer. Using it today for a person transforms a term of servitude into one of passion.
- While σε αγαπώ is the common 'I love you', σε λατρεύω is often used in Greece to express intense fondness for things, pets or children without being romantic.
- In Greek, the intensity of affection is often shown through the choice of verb rather than adjectives. Moving from αγαπώ to λατρεύω is the primary way to signal that your love has become an obsession or a form of worship.
Examples in context
- Σε λατρεύω τόσο πολύ.Se latrevo toso poli.I adore you so much.
- Ξέρεις ότι σε λατρεύω.Xeres oti se latrevo.You know that I adore you.
- Σε λατρεύω, αγάπη μου.Se latrevo, agapi mou.I adore you, my love.
Example conversation
A couple is talking during a romantic dinner.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕίσαι υπέροχη απόψε, Ελένη.Eísai ypérochi apópse, Eléni.You are wonderful tonight, Eleni.
- Ελένη EleniΕυχαριστώ, Γιώργο. Εσύ είσαι ο καλύτερός μου.Efcharistó, Giórgo. Esý eísai o kalýterós mou.Thank you, Giorgos. You are my best.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΣε λατρεύω, ξέρεις το αυτό.Se latrévo, xéreis to aftó.I adore you, you know that.
- Ελένη EleniΚι εγώ σε λατρεύω!Ki egó se latrévo!And I adore you too!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries λατρεύω, σε, CC BY-SA 4.0.
