Σ' αγαπώ πολύ
The English phrase "I love you very much" is translated into Greek as Σ' αγαπώ πολύ.
This phrase is the standard way to express romantic or deep familial love. It is not typically used for casual friendship in the same way "I love you" is used in English. For friends, Greeks often use Σε εκτιμώ πολύ (I respect/appreciate you very much) or Σε λατρεύω (I adore you) depending on the intensity.
What does it mean word for word?
Σ' αγαπώ πολύ is a contraction of Σε αγαπώ πολύ, where Σε (you) is shortened to Σ' before the verb.
How does it change in a sentence?
The uncontracted form Σε αγαπώ πολύ is used when the speaker wants to emphasize the word "you" or when speaking more slowly/formally.
Did you know?
- To express love for a thing or a hobby rather than a person, Greeks often use a different verb entirely, μου αρέσει, which means 'it pleases me'.
- The verb αγαπώ is the root of the English word 'agape', which refers to a specific type of selfless, unconditional love in Christian theology.
- While 'I love you' in English can be used for a pizza, saying Σ' αγαπώ πολύ to an inanimate object or a casual acquaintance can feel unexpectedly heavy or dramatic to a Greek speaker.
Examples in context
- Σ' αγαπώ πολύ!I love you very much!Tatoeba #5348703 by Zeus, translation #9210303 by Nylez
- Σ' αγαπώ πολύ.I love you very much.Tatoeba #1323623 by enteka, translation #400410 by sysko
- Σ' αγαπώ πολύ, αγάπη μου.S' agapo poli, agapi mou.I love you very much, my love.
Example conversation
Maria and Dimitris are saying goodbye before work.
- Μαρία MariaΚαλό δουλειά, Δημήτρη!Kalo douleia, Dimitri!Have a good day at work, Dimitris!
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΕυχαριστώ, Μαρία. Θα σε πάρω αργότερα.Efcharisto, Maria. Tha se paro argotera.Thanks, Maria. I will call you later.
- Μαρία MariaΕντάξει. Σ' αγαπώ πολύ!Entaxei. S' agapo poly!Okay. I love you very much!
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΚι εγώ σ' αγαπώ πολύ.Ki ego s' agapo poly.I love you very much too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries αγαπώ, πολύ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
