أُحِبُّكَ
ʔuḥibbukaaddressee masculine
The English phrase 'I love you' is expressed in Arabic as أُحِبُّكَ (ʔuḥibbuka). Wiktionary also lists أُحِبُّكِ (ʔuḥibbuki).
Meaning: affirmation of romantic feeling (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Arabic | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| أُحِبُّكَ | ʔuḥibbuka | addressee masculine |
| أُحِبُّكِ | ʔuḥibbuki | addressee masculine |
This phrase is used as an affirmation of romantic feeling.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the verb أُحِبُّ, which means 'I love' and the suffix -كَ or -كِ, which represents the object 'you'.
Which one should you use?
The distinction between a masculine or feminine addressee is indicated solely by the final vowel sound: -كَ is used for a male and -كِ is used for a female.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egypt, the informal phrase بحبك أوي means 'I love you very much' and the phrase بحبك جدًا is also used to mean 'I love you very much'. In Levantine Arabic, you can say بحبّك كتير to mean 'I love you a lot'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form أُحِبُّكَ is used specifically when speaking to a male addressee, while the form أُحِبُّكِ is used when speaking to a female addressee.
How do you pronounce it?
ʔuḥibbuka
Did you know?
- In some dialects, instead of saying أُحِبُّكَ, people use the phrase يا عيوني, which literally translates to 'oh my eyes', implying the person is as precious as the speaker's own sight.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, it is traditionally rare to say أُحِبُّكَ aloud to parents or elders, as respect and love are instead shown through actions and deeds.
- The root of the verb أُحِبُّ is ح ب ب, which is also the root for the word حَبّ, meaning 'seed' or 'grain'. This suggests a metaphorical link between love and the planting of a seed.
Examples in context
- أُحِبُّكَ كَثِيرًا.uḥibbu-ka kathīran.I love you very much.
- أُرِيدُ أَنْ أَقُولَ لَكَ: أُحِبُّكَ.urīdu an aqūla laka: uḥibbu-ka.I want to tell you: I love you.
- أَنَا أُحِبُّكَ يَا حَبِيبِي.anā uḥibbu-ka yā ḥabībī.I love you, my beloved.
Example conversation
A couple is talking before saying goodbye.
- سارة Saraأنا أُحِبُّكَ يا أحمد.Ana uhibbuka ya Ahmed.I love you, Ahmed.
- أحمد Ahmedوأنا أيضاً أُحِبُّكِ يا سارة.Wa ana aydan uhibbuki ya Sarah.And I love you too, Sarah.
- سارة Saraسأشتاق إليك كثيراً.Sa-ashtaqu ilayka kathiran.I will miss you a lot.
- أحمد Ahmedسأراكِ قريباً جداً.Sa-araki qariban jiddan.I will see you very soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I love you” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
