Ic lufie þe
The English phrase "I love you" is translated into Old English as Ic lufie þe.
This phrase is used as an affirmation of romantic feeling.
Meaning: affirmation of romantic feeling (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Ic (I), lufie (love) and þe (thee/you).
Which one should you use?
If you were addressing more than one person, you would replace þe with eow to say Ic lufie eow.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form lufie is the first-person singular present indicative form of the verb lufian, which means "to love".
Did you know?
- The 'þ' in þe is a letter called 'thorn', which was eventually replaced by the English letters 'th' in modern typography.
- In Old English, the verb lufian could be used not just for romantic love, but also for the deep affection felt toward a friend or a spiritual love for God.
- If you were to say Ic lufie þe today, the 'c' in Ic would be pronounced like the 'ch' in 'rich' rather than the 'k' sound of modern 'I'.
Examples in context
- Ic lufie þe.I love you.
Example conversation
A quiet garden at sunset during the early medieval period.
- OsricÆthelflæd, Ic lufie þe.Æthelflæd, I love you.
- ÆthelflædAnd ic lufie þē, Ōsric.I love you too, Osric.
- OsricÞū eart mīn lēofesta.You are my dearest.
- ÆthelflædAnd þū eart mīn.And you are mine.
