το λατρεύω
to latrevo/to laˈtɾe.vo/word by word
In Greek, the phrase for "I love it" is το λατρεύω (to latrevo).
The phrase το λατρεύω is used to express intense enthusiasm or strong liking. It implies a level of adoration where you almost "worship" the thing you are talking about, rather than just expressing a simple preference.
What does it mean word for word?
This phrase consists of the direct object το, meaning "it" and the verb λατρεύω, meaning "I worship".
Which one should you use?
While το λατρεύω suggests adoration or worship, the more standard and common way to say you like something very much is μου αρέσει πολύ.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase το λατρεύω, the object "it" is represented by the accusative pronoun το which is placed before the verb.
How do you pronounce it?
to latrevo (3 syllables, stress on the 2nd syllable)
Did you know?
- The verb λατρεύω carries a weight much heavier than 'to love', as its literal roots mean 'to serve as a slave' or 'to serve the gods'.
- In Greek Orthodox theology, λατρεία is the unique term for the worship given to God alone, distinguishing it from δουλεία, which is the veneration shown to saints.
- If a Greek speaker says το λατρεύω about a piece of toast or a trivial object, they are often using the phrase as extreme hyperbole or heavy sarcasm.
Examples in context
- Αυτό το τραγούδι το λατρεύω.aftó to traghóudi to latrévo.I love this song.
- Το νέο σου βιβλίο το λατρεύω.to néo sou vivlío to latrévo.I love your new book.
Example conversation
Eleni is showing Dimitris a new piece of art.
- Ελένη EleniΚόιτα αυτό τορ πίνκασο, Δημήτρη, το λατρεύω!Koita afto to pinkaso, Dimitri, to latrevō!Look at this painting, Dimitris, I love it!
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΕίναι όμορφο, αλλά είναι πολύ ακριβό.Einai omoro, alla einai poly akrivo.It is beautiful, but it is very expensive.
- Ελένη EleniΔεν με νοιάζει η τιμή, το θέλω οπωσδήποτε.Den me noiazei i timi, to thelo oposodite.I don't care about the price, I definitely want it.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΤότε αγόρασέ το, Ελένη.Tote agorase to, Eleni.Then buy it, Eleni.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (το, λατρεύω) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries λατρεύω, το, CC BY-SA 4.0.
