kuv hlub koj
To say "I love you" in Hmong, use kuv hlub koj.
kuv hlub koj is an affirmation of romantic feeling. While it can be used to express deep affection, it is most commonly used to express romantic love between partners.
Meaning: affirmation of romantic feeling (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of kuv (I), hlub (love) and koj (you).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase does not change its form based on the gender of the speaker or the person being addressed.
Did you know?
- The Hmong writing system, which uses the Latin script, employs specific letters at the end of words like the 'v' in kuv to represent tones rather than actual sounds.
- In Hmong culture, expressing romantic love with words like kuv hlub koj can be seen as very intense or even overwhelming in traditional settings. Often, affection is shown through actions and care rather than verbal declarations.
- Unlike English, which uses 'love' for everything from pizza to a spouse, hlub is generally reserved for people, making it a more weighted and serious word.
Examples in context
- Kuv hlub koj heev.I love you very much.
- Kuv hlub koj li qub.I love you like before.
- Kuv hlub koj tshaj plaws.I love you the most.
Example conversation
A couple is sitting together in a quiet park.
- YiaTou, kuv hlub koj.Tou, I love you.
- TouKuv kuj hlub koj thiab, Yia.I love you too, Yia.
- YiaKoj puas paub kuv hlub koj heev?Do you know I love you so much?
- TouKuv paub, uas ua rau kuv zoo siab.I know, and that makes me happy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I love you” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
