Ways to say it
| Hungarian | IPA |
|---|---|
| szerelem | [ˈsɛrɛlɛm] (narrow) |
| szeretet | [ˈsɛrɛtɛt] (narrow) |
Use szerelem to describe romantic, passionate or erotic love between partners. The related verb szerelmeskedik can act as a euphemism meaning to have sex with. Use szeretet to refer to a broad, stable affection or care, such as the love felt for family or friends. The verb szeret is used for both 'to love' and 'to like', so the specific intensity is understood through the context of the conversation.
Which one should you use?
While both terms can be translated as love, szerelem refers specifically to romantic and passionate love, whereas szeretet refers to general affection and care.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form szerelem is considered formal and can also feel archaic in certain contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
szeretet is an abstract noun used to describe the concept of care or affection. szerelem is a noun used to describe the state of being in a romantic relationship or the feeling of passion.
When do people say it?
When expressing 'I love you' in an informal setting, you say szeretlek. To emphasize the depth of your feeling and say 'I love you very much', you can add nagyon to say Szeretlek nagyon.
Did you know?
- The word for romantic love, szerelem, is etymologically linked to the concept of a 'row' or 'order'.
- In Hungarian, you do not need to add a word for 'you' when saying Szeretlek, as the verb ending itself tells the listener who is being loved.
- While English speakers often use 'love' for everything from pizza to spouses, using the wrong Hungarian noun like szerelem for a pet could sound strangely intense or even sexual.
Examples in context
- Ez hát a szerelem?Is this love?This sentence is useful for asking if something is love using szerelem.Tatoeba #8173157 by maaster, translation #326263 by CK
- Hol van a szeretet?Where's the love?This sentence is useful for asking where affection is found using szeretet.Tatoeba #7077514 by H_Liliom, translation #5305726 by mervert1
- Ez az igaz szerelem.This is true love.This sentence is useful for stating that something is true romantic love using szerelem.Tatoeba #2592236 by mraz, translation #1607904 by CM
- Szeretlek, nagyon boldoggá teszel engem.I love you, you make me very happy.
- Nagyon kedvelem a társaságodat.I really enjoy your company.
- Szerelmes vagyok beléd.I'm in love with you.
- Szeretlek nagyon, a világ legfontosabb személye vagy nekem.I love you very much, you are the most important person in the world to me.
- 193 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
László and Zsófia are reading classic poetry in a park.
- LászlóEz a vers a szerelemről szól.This poem is about love.
- ZsófiaNagyon gyönyörű a leírása.The description is very beautiful.
- LászlóA szerelem hatalmas erő.Love is a great power.
- ZsófiaLászló, ez igazán mély érzés.László, this is a truly deep feeling.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “love” translations and entries szerelem, szeretet, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries szerelem, szeretet, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
