Σ' αγαπώ
s' agapómodern
In Greek, "I love you" is Σ' αγαπώ (s' agapó) today, and the ancient form is Ἀγαπῶ σε (agapô se). Greek myths use several words for love, so the right one depends on which kind you mean.
Meaning: declaration of love (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Σ' αγαπώ | s' agapó | modern |
| Ἀγαπῶ σε | agapô se | ancient Greek |
Modern Greeks say Σ' αγαπώ to a partner or a child. The ancient form is useful for reading texts and for quotations, not for everyday speech.
Which one should you use?
Ancient Greek separated kinds of love. Ἔρως (érōs) is passionate love, φιλία (philía) is friendship and ἀγάπη (agápē) is warm, giving love. Στοργή (storgḗ) is family affection.
When do people say it?
In myth, Eros is the god of love and Aphrodite is the goddess of love and beauty. The Romans knew them as Cupid and Venus.
Did you know?
- The English word "erotic" comes from the Greek ἔρως (érōs).
- Eros is traditionally described as the son of Aphrodite.
Examples in context
- Σ' αγαπώ, Αφροδίτη.S' agapó, Afrodíti.I love you, Aphrodite.
- Ἀγαπῶ σε.Agapô se.I love you (ancient Greek).
Example conversation
Two students, Elena and Marcos, read a myth about Eros in their literature class in Athens.
- ElenaΟ Έρωτας είναι θεός της αγάπης.O Érotas eínai theós tis agápis.Eros is the god of love.
- MarcosΚαι η Αφροδίτη είναι η μητέρα του.Kai i Afrodíti eínai i mitéra tou.And Aphrodite is his mother.
- ElenaΣωστά. Η ιστορία τους είναι όμορφη.Sostá. I istoría tous eínai ómorfi.Correct. Their story is beautiful.
