μου αρέσει
mou arései
The Greek phrase for "like" is μου αρέσει (mou arései).
This phrase is used to express that you find someone or something pleasant or attractive.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the indirect object pronoun μου (to me) and the verb αρέσει (it is pleasing/it pleases), literally translating to "to me it is pleasing".
Which one should you use?
While μου αρέσει expresses a general liking or finding something pleasant, the verb αγαπώ (to love) is used for much stronger and more intense affection.
How does it change in a sentence?
When the object being liked is plural, the verb must change from μου αρέσει to μου αρέσουν.
How do you pronounce it?
mou arései
Did you know?
- If you want to say 'I like you' to a person, you cannot simply use μου αρέσεις to express affection. Doing so can sound like you are commenting on their physical attractiveness rather than their personality.
- Greek speakers may use μου αρέσει to describe a taste or smell, but they use a different verb, μου θυμίζει, if the 'like' is actually a comparison meaning 'it reminds me of'.
- Because the verb αρέσει means 'it pleases', the thing you like is actually the subject of the sentence. In English, you are the subject, but in Greek, the object's qualities are what perform the action of pleasing you.
Examples in context
- Μου αρέσει η θέα.I like the view.This sentence is useful for expressing a liking for a view using μου αρέσει.Tatoeba #5413387 by Zeus, translation #2377476 by CK
- Μου αρέσει η ροκ.I like rock.This sentence is useful for expressing a liking for rock using μου αρέσει.Tatoeba #5534488 by Zeus, translation #3641657 by sacredceltic
- Μου αρέσει η τζαζ.I like jazz.This sentence is useful for expressing a liking for jazz using μου αρέσει.Tatoeba #2363961 by mululatv, translation #321631 by CK
- Μ' αρέσει ο καφές όπως τον πίνω κάθε πρωί.I like coffee as I drink it every morning.
- Είναι γεμάτος όνειρα, σαν το μυαλό ενός ποιητή.He is full of dreams, like a poet's mind.
- Τι λες, να πάμε σινεμά. Ναι, θέλω να δω μια ταινία, σαν αυτή.What do you say, let's go to the cinema? Yes, I want to watch a movie, like that one.
- 200 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anastasia and Dimitris are talking about a new restaurant.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΜου αρέσει πολύ αυτό το μέρος.Mou aresei poly afto to meros.I really like this place.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΝαί, είναι πολύ όμορφο εδώ.Ne, einai poly omorfo edo.Yes, it is very beautiful here.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΜου αρέσει επίσης η μουσική.Mou aresei episis i mousiki.I also like the music.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΕμένα δεν μου αρέσει τόσο.Emena den mou aresei toso.I don't like it that much.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
