σε αγαπώ μαμά
se agapó mamá
The English phrase 'I love you mom' is expressed in Greek as σε αγαπώ μαμά (se agapó mamá).
This phrase is used to express deep affection and love toward one's mother. You can use the term μανούλα as an endearing equivalent to 'mommy' to show a close, intimate bond.
Which one should you use?
While σε αγαπώ μαμά is a direct translation of 'I love you mom', it is more idiomatic and warm to add the possessive 'μου' (my) to create σε αγαπώ μαμά μου, which translates to 'I love you, my mom'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding μου (my) after μαμά is a very common way to make the expression sound more natural and affectionate in Greek.
How do you pronounce it?
se agapó mamá
Did you know?
- Greek has multiple words for 'love', and αγαπώ is specifically the word for unconditional, selfless love. It is the same root used for the highest form of divine love in the New Testament.
- The word μαμά shares an ancient ancestor with the Greek word for 'grandmother', which was μάμμη.
- Because of the word σε, the phrase 'I love you' is grammatically structured around a direct object that has survived almost unchanged from Ancient Greek.
Examples in context
- Σ' αγαπώ, μαμάκι μουI love you, dear mom
- Σε αγαπώ μαμά, είσαι η καλύτερη.Se agapo mama, ise i kalyteri.I love you mom, you are the best.
- Θέλω να ξέρεις ότι σε αγαπώ μαμά.Thelo na xeris oti se agapo mama.I want you to know that I love you mom.
- Σε αγαπώ μαμά, ευχαριστώ για όλα.Se agapo mama, efcharisto gia ola.I love you mom, thank you for everything.
Example conversation
Nikos is saying goodbye to his mother on the phone.
- Νίκος NikosΠρέπει να κλείσω τώρα, σε αγαπώ μαμά.Prépei na klíso tóra, se agapó mamá.I have to hang up now, I love you mom.
- Ελένη EleniΚι εγώ σε αγαπώ γιε μου.Ki egó se agapó gie mou.I love you too, my son.
- Νίκος NikosΘα σε πάρω αύριο το πρωί.Tha se páro ávrio to proí.I will call you tomorrow morning.
- Ελένη EleniΕντάξει, γεια σου τώρα.Entáxei, geia sou tóra.Alright, goodbye for now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries αγαπώ, μαμά, σε, CC BY-SA 4.0.
