Ways to say it
| Ancient Greek | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| φιλῶ σε | philo se | general affection |
| ἐρῶ σου | ero sou | romantic, passionate |
| ἀγαπῶ σε | agapo se | deep, selfless love |
For romantic, passionate love, Greek uses ἐρῶ σου (ero sou), from the same root as 'erotic'. For a deeper, more selfless love, ἀγαπῶ σε (agapo se) is used, a verb that became especially important in later Christian Greek.
What does it mean word for word?
φιλῶ comes from φιλία, affection or friendship. ἐρῶ comes from ἔρως, passionate desire. ἀγαπῶ comes from ἀγάπη, a love centered on care rather than desire.
Which one should you use?
φιλῶ σε suits affection for a friend, family member or partner. ἐρῶ σου is specifically romantic and physical. ἀγαπῶ σε points to a caring, committed love, less about passion.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
All three fit intimate, personal speech rather than formal writing, though ἀγαπῶ appears often in serious philosophical and later religious contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
All three verbs are attested in classical Attic Greek, though ἀγαπῶ became far more prominent later, in the Koine Greek of the New Testament.
How does it change in a sentence?
φιλῶ and ἀγαπῶ take a direct object in the accusative case, σε, while ἐρῶ takes the genitive, σου, since the verb for passionate desire governs a different case.
How do you pronounce it?
φιλῶ and ἐρῶ both stress the final syllable with a long omega, 'phi-LO' and 'e-RO'.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Using ἐρῶ σου for a parent or a friend would sound strange, since it specifically carries romantic or sexual meaning.
When do people say it?
Greek philosophy, especially Plato's Symposium, explores ἔρως at length as a force that can lead the soul toward beauty and truth, not only physical attraction.
Did you know?
- English 'erotic' comes directly from ἔρως, the Greek god and concept of passionate love behind the verb ἐρῶ.
- Plato's Symposium is devoted almost entirely to speeches about the nature of ἔρως, treating romantic desire as a philosophical subject worth serious debate.
Examples in context
- φιλῶ σε, ὦ φίλη.philo se, o phile.I love you, my dear friend.
- ἐρῶ σου μόνης.ero sou mones.I love only you.
Example conversation
A young man named Alexis declares his feelings to Timo before a journey.
- Alexisἐρῶ σου, ὦ Τιμώ.ero sou, o Timo.I love you, Timo.
- Timoκαὶ ἐγὼ φιλῶ σε.kai ego philo se.And I love you too.
- Alexisμενεῖς μοι πιστή?meneis moi piste?Will you remain faithful to me?
- Timoἀγαπῶ σε διὰ παντός.agapo se dia pantos.I love you always.
