σ' αγαπώ
s' agapo
The phrase "I love you" in Greek is σ' αγαπώ (s' agapo).
This phrase is used as an affirmation of romantic feeling. While σ' αγαπώ is a common way to express this, it is an informal version of the expression. Another way to say "I love you" is Σε λατρεύω, though this is less commonly used.
Meaning: affirmation of romantic feeling (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a contraction of σ' (σε) meaning 'you' and αγαπώ meaning 'I love'.
Which one should you use?
The form σ' αγαπώ is a shortened, informal version. In more formal situations, or when addressing more than one person or someone of higher social standing, you would use Σας αγαπώ. To express love to a group of people formally, you can use Σας αγαπώ όλους/όλες.
How does it change in a sentence?
The uncontracted form σ' αγαπώ is written as σε αγαπώ, though the contraction is more common in speech.
How do you pronounce it?
s' agapo
Did you know?
- Unlike English, where 'I love you' can be used for food or hobbies, σ' αγαπώ is reserved for people or deeply cherished entities and would sound strange when applied to a slice of pizza.
- The verb αγαπώ shares its roots with the English word 'agape', which refers to the highest form of Christian selfless love.
- If you want to say 'I love you too', you do not just repeat the phrase, but say κι εσένα ('and you'), which changes the grammatical structure entirely.
Examples in context
- Σ' αγαπώ πολύ!I love you very much!This sentence is useful for expressing a strong level of affection using σ' αγαπώ.Tatoeba #5348703 by Zeus, translation #9210303 by Nylez
- Γαλλία, σ' αγαπώ!France, I love you!This sentence shows how to express love toward a place or entity using σ' αγαπώ.Tatoeba #5376756 by Zeus, translation #5276566 by Ricardo14
- Σ' αγαπώ παθιασμένα.I love you passionately.This sentence shows how to express intense, passionate love using σ' αγαπώ.Tatoeba #3003722 by mululatv, translation #9489132 by Nylez
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A romantic dinner at a seaside restaurant.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΣ' αγαπώ, Νίκο.s' agapo, Niko.I love you, Nikos.
- Νίκος NikosΚι εγώ σ' αγαπώ πολύ, Αναστασία.Ki ego s' agapo poli, Anastasia.And I love you very much, Anastasia.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΕίσαι ο κόσμος μου.Eisai o kosmos mou.You are my world.
- Νίκος NikosΚι εσύ η ζωή μου.Ki esi i zoi mou.And you are my life.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries αγαπώ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
