любо́в
ljubóvfeminine
The English word "love" is translated into Bulgarian as любо́в (ljubóv) or о́бич.
Meaning: strong affection (noun)
Ways to say it
| Bulgarian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| любо́в | ljubóv | feminine |
| о́бич | óbič | feminine |
Both words refer to strong affection. You can also use the verb оби́чам to express the action of loving or being strongly inclined towards something, and the phrase оби́чам те is the standard way to tell a romantic partner or close family member "I love you". Additionally, the euphemistic phrase пра́вя любо́в is used to mean "to have sex with".
Which one should you use?
любо́в is typically used for deep, romantic or profound love, often appearing in literature or formal contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb оби́чам is the standard way to express the action of loving someone or something in the first person singular.
How do you pronounce it?
ljubóv
When do people say it?
When expressing affection, Bulgarians may use pet names such as коте (kitten) or слънце (sun).
Did you know?
- The root of the word оби́чам is actually related to the concept of 'to circle around' or 'to surround', suggesting an affection that encompasses or protects a person.
- In traditional Bulgarian folklore and songs, любо́в is frequently paired with 'suffering' or 'pain' to describe the intensity of passion.
- While оби́чам те is the most common way to say 'I love you', saying оби́чам to a stranger or a coworker can sound uncomfortably intense, as it implies a deep, personal emotional bond.
Examples in context
- Обичам те.I love you.
- Обичам го.I love him.
- Обичам я.I love her.
- Любов моя.My love.
- Децата ти са твоята любов.Your children are your love.
- Търсим само чиста любо́в.Tarsim samo chista lyubov.We are looking for only pure love.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their views on romantic relationships.
- Виктория ViktoriyaГеорги, вярваш ли в истинска любо́в?Georgi, vyarvash li v istinska lyubov?Georgi, do you believe in true love?
- Георги GeorgiДа, Виктория, вярвам в нея.Da, Viktoriya, vyarvam v neya.Yes, Viktoriya, I believe in it.
- Виктория ViktoriyaТова е много красива мисъл.Tova e mnogo krasiva misal.That is a very beautiful thought.
- Георги GeorgiОпределено е така.Opredeleno e taka.It definitely is.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “love” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
