أُحِبُّكَ
ʔuḥibbukaaddressee masculine
The phrase "I love you" in Arabic is translated 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.
Which one should you use?
The form أُحِبُّكَ is used when addressing a male, while أُحِبُّكِ is used when addressing a female.
How does it change in a sentence?
To address a female, the final vowel of the phrase changes from '-ka' to '-ki', specifically changing أُحِبُّكَ to أُحِبُّكِ.
How do you pronounce it?
ʔuḥibbuka
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often forget that the gender of the person being spoken to determines the ending of the verb, rather than the gender of the speaker.
Did you know?
- The root of the word أحبك is ح ب ب, which is shared with the word for 'seed' or 'grain' حبة. Some poets suggest this implies that love is something planted that grows over time.
- In some conservative social contexts, saying أحبك directly is considered too bold. People may instead use phrases like الله يخليك لي, which means 'may God keep you for me'.
- Arabic has many distinct words for 'love' based on intensity. While حب is the general term, عشق describes a passionate, consuming love that borders on obsession.
Examples in context
- أحبك يا أحمدI love you, Ahmed.
- يا حبيب قلبي، بحبك كتيرOh, my beloved, I love you so much.
- أُحِبُّكَ كثيراً.uhibbuka kathīran.I love you very much.
- أنا أُحِبُّكَ يا عزيزي.ana uhibbuka yā ‘azīzī.I love you, my dear.
- هل تعلم أنني أُحِبُّكَ؟hal ta‘lamu annanī uhibbuka?Do you know that I love you?
Example conversation
A romantic evening during a walk in the park.
- ليلى Laylaأنت رجل رائع، أُحِبُّكَ.anta rajulun rā’i‘, uhibbuka.You are a wonderful man, I love you.
- عمر Omarوأنا أيضاً أُحِبُّكِ يا ليلى.wa ana ayḍan uhibbuki yā Laylā.And I love you too, Layla.
- ليلى Laylaحقاً؟ هذا يسعدني جداً.ḥaqqan? hādhā yus‘idunī jiddan.Really? That makes me very happy.
- عمر Omarأنتِ كل حياتي.anti kullu ḥayātī.You are my whole life.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I love you” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
