σε έχω ερωτευτεί
se écho erōteftí
The English phrase "I have a crush on you" can be expressed in Greek as σε έχω ερωτευτεί (se écho erōteftí).
σε έχω ερωτευτεί translates to "I have fallen in love with you." Because the Greek phrase is quite strong, it is often used for actual romantic declarations rather than the casual, fleeting feeling implied by the English 'crush'.
Which one should you use?
While σε έχω ερωτευτεί implies a deep romantic feeling, μου αρέσεις is a lighter way to say "I like you" or "I am attracted to you".
How do you pronounce it?
se écho erōteftí
Did you know?
- While μου αρέσεις means 'I like you', the word αρέσω is actually a passive form meaning 'I am pleasing to you'.
- The word ερωτευτεί comes from έρως 'eros', the god of love. While English uses 'crush' to describe a feeling, Greek uses a word rooted in a specific mythological deity.
- In Ancient Greek, the word 'eros' (the root of the verb in this phrase) was often used to describe a divine madness or an irresistible force rather than just a simple preference.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking privately at a cafe.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΚυριακή, πρέπει να σου πω ότι σε έχω ερωτευτεί.Kyriáki, prépei na sou po óti se écho erotevteí.Kyriaki, I have to tell you that I have a crush on you.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΔημήτρη, με ξαφνίασες! Δεν το περίμενα.Dimítri, me xafníases! Den to perímena.Dimitris, you surprised me! I wasn't expecting that.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΕλπίζω να νιώθεις το ίδιο για μένα.Elpízo na niótheis to ídio gia ména.I hope you feel the same about me.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝαι, και εγώ νιώθω το ίδιο για σένα.Nai, kai egó niótho to ídio gia séna.Yes, and I feel the same way about you.
