σ' αγαπώ
s' agapo
In Greek, "i love you" is expressed as σ' αγαπώ (s' agapo).
This phrase is used to express an affirmation of romantic feeling. While the verb αγαπώ can also describe deep affection for friends or family, σ' αγαπώ is the standard way to say "I love you" in those contexts as well.
Meaning: affirmation of romantic feeling (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase σ' αγαπώ is a contraction of σε αγαπώ (se agapo). The pronoun σε (you) is shortened to σ' before the vowel in αγαπώ.
How do you pronounce it?
s' agapo
Did you know?
- The word αγαπώ is the root of the English word 'agape' which refers to the highest form of unconditional love. In Greek culture this distinguishes a selfless divine love from 'eros' which is romantic or sexual passion.
- In some traditional Greek contexts saying σ' αγαπώ too early in a relationship is considered incredibly heavy and serious compared to the more casual use of the phrase in English.
- While σ' αγαπώ is used for romantic partners and family the phrase σε συμπαθώ is often used to say 'I like you' in a way that suggests a friendly or initial attraction.
Examples in context
- Σ' αγαπώ πολύ!I love you very much!This example shows how to add the word 'much' to the phrase using σ' αγαπώ.Tatoeba #5348703 by Zeus, translation #9210303 by Nylez
- Γαλλία, σ' αγαπώ!France, I love you!This example demonstrates using the phrase to express affection for a country, using σ' αγαπώ.Tatoeba #5376756 by Zeus, translation #5276566 by Ricardo14
- Σ' αγαπώ παθιασμένα.I love you passionately.This example shows how to express loving someone passionately with σ' αγαπώ.Tatoeba #3003722 by mululatv, translation #9489132 by Nylez
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is having a quiet dinner together.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΣ' αγαπώ, Κώστα.S' agapo, Kosta.I love you, Kostas.
- Κώστας KostasΚαι εγώ σ' αγαπώ, Αναστασία.Kai ego s' agapo, Anastasia.And I love you, Anastasia.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΕίσαι ο άνθρωπός μου.Eisai o anthropo mou.You are my person.
- Κώστας KostasΕίσαι η ζωή μου.Eisai i zoi mou.You are my life.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
