σε θέλω
se thelo
The English phrase "I want you" is translated into Greek as σε θέλω (se thelo).
This phrase is used to express a strong romantic or sexual desire for another person. In Greek, it is almost exclusively used in a romantic or sexual context. Using it to express a desire for someone to perform a task or service would sound highly unnatural or even aggressive.
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the object from "you" to "him", the pronoun σε is replaced with τον to say τον θέλω. While σε θέλω is a direct translation, θέλω να σε έχω is a common way to express the desire to "have" someone in a romantic context.
How do you pronounce it?
se thelo
Did you know?
- While σε θέλω expresses desire, the word θέλω is also used in Greek to describe a 'will' or 'wish' in a legal sense, as in a last will and testament.
- If you want to express a milder, more polite desire for someone's presence, Greeks often prefer θέλω να σε δω, which literally translates to 'I want to see you'.
- The pronoun σε is a shortened form that evolved from the ancient particle εἰς, which originally meant 'into' or 'towards'.
Examples in context
- Σε θέλω.I want you.This example shows a simple statement of desire using σε θέλω.Tatoeba #5457934 by Zeus, translation #17707 by CK
- Σε θέλω εδώ.I want you here.This example demonstrates adding a location to the phrase using σε θέλω.Tatoeba #5615710 by Zeus, translation #1887899 by CK
- Σε θέλω, Τομ.I want you, Tom.This example shows how to address someone specifically while using σε θέλω.Tatoeba #5615724 by Zeus, translation #2011313 by CK
- Επιθυμώ να είστε κοντά μου.I desire for you to be close to me.
- Θέλω να είσαι μαζί μου.I want you to be with me.
- Θέλω να είσαι μαζί μου, είσαι υπέροχη/υπέροχοςI want you to be with me, you are wonderful
- Σε θέλω τόσο πολύI want you so much
- Σε θέλω, κουκλίτσα/κουκλάκι μουI want you, my doll/my little doll.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A romantic evening at a candlelit dinner.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΣε θέλω πολύ, Κυριακή.Se thélo polí, Kyriakí.I want you so much, Kyriaki.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΚι εσένα, Δημήτρη.Ki eséna, Dimítri.And you, Dimitris.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΕίσαι πανέμορφη απόψε.Eísai panémorfí apópse.You are beautiful tonight.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕυχαριστώ, αγάπη μου.Efcharistó, agápi mou.Thank you, my love.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries θέλω, σε, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
