kocham cię
/ˈkɔ.xam t͡ɕɛ/
The English phrase "I love you" is translated into Polish as kocham cię.
kocham cię is an affirmation of romantic feeling. The verb kocham expresses deep, romantic or profound love, which distinguishes it from the word lubię, used for liking people or things in a more casual way. You may also use the variation Ja Cię kocham to emphasize the subject "I."
Meaning: affirmation of romantic feeling (phrase)
Which one should you use?
The phrase kocham cię uses the short form of the pronoun cię. You can use the long form ciebie instead when you want to place emphasis on the person being loved, such as saying "I love *you*" specifically.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the informal singular pronoun cię (you), which is appropriate for romantic partners, friends or family members. In the expression kocham cię, cię is the short form of the pronoun, while ciebie is the long form.
How do you pronounce it?
The phrase has 2 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
When do people say it?
When someone says kocham cię, a common response is ja ciebie też or simply ja też (me too).
Did you know?
- In Polish, you cannot use kocham for a pizza or a movie. If you used it this way, it would sound as if you have a deep, spiritual romance with your food.
- Polish speakers often use the diminutive kochanie as a term of endearment, which comes from the same root as kocham and translates roughly to 'honey' or 'darling'.
- If you were to say kocham cię to a person you have just met, it would be considered extremely intense and socially jarring, as the verb implies a profound, soul-level connection.
Examples in context
- Kocham cię, mój pająku.I love you, my spider.This example shows the use of the phrase in a playful or affectionate context.Tatoeba #9463273 by Shounen, translation #9463275 by Shounen
- Kocham cię z całego serca.I love you with all my heart.This sentence demonstrates expressing love with great intensity.Tatoeba #852882 by zipangu, translation #68788 by CK
- Kocham Cię – Ja Ciebie też."I love you." "I love you, too."This example shows a common exchange of the phrase and a response.Tatoeba #4108311 by konrad509, translation #1655606 by gleki
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is having a quiet dinner at home.
- PiotrKocham cię, Agnieszko.I love you, Agnieszka.
- AgnieszkaA ja kocham ciebie, Piotrze.And I love you, Piotr.
- PiotrJesteś dla mnie wszystkim.You are everything to me.
- AgnieszkaTo najpiękniejsze słowa.Those are the most beautiful words.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I love you” translations and entries kocham cię, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
