Σ' αγαπώ
s' agapóstandard, Cyprus
In Cyprus people say Σ' αγαπώ (s' agapó) for "I love you". It is the standard Greek phrase, and Σε λατρεύω (se latrévo) is a stronger "I adore you". It is also called Μου λείπεις (mou leípeis).
Meaning: declaration of love (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Σ' αγαπώ | s' agapó | standard, Cyprus |
| Σε λατρεύω | se latrévo | strong |
| Μου λείπεις | mou leípeis | tender |
Σ' αγαπώ is for a partner, a child or a close relative. The short form joins σε (se), "you", to the verb.
Which one should you use?
Σε λατρεύω is more passionate. Μου λείπεις (mou leípeis) means "I miss you" and is a gentle way to show love without the big words.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Cypriot Greek is a spoken dialect, and in writing Cypriots use standard Greek, so the spelling is the same in Cyprus and in Athens.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb does not change for the gender of the person you love, so the same phrase works for a man or a woman.
Did you know?
- Αγάπη (agápi), "love", is also a common first name for girls in Greece and Cyprus.
Examples in context
- Σ' αγαπώ πολύ.S' agapó polý.I love you very much.
- Σε λατρεύω, καρδιά μου.Se latrévo, kardiá mou.I adore you, my heart.
- Μου λείπεις κάθε μέρα.Mou leípeis káthe méra.I miss you every day.
Example conversation
Nikos speaks with his wife Despina on the phone while he is away for work.
- NikosΜου λείπεις, Δέσποινα.Mou leípeis, Déspina.I miss you, Despina.
- DespinaΚι εσύ μου λείπεις.Ki esý mou leípeis.I miss you too.
- NikosΣ' αγαπώ.S' agapó.I love you.
