Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| amor | [ˈa.mɔr] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈaː.mor] (narrow) |
masculine |
| cāritās | feminine |
In Latin, the word for love depends on the type of affection being described. Use amor to express romantic, passionate or physical love. If you wish to express a love based on esteem, respect or careful regard, use the related verb diligo. The verb amo is used to express having a strong affection for someone.
Which one should you use?
While both words can mean love, amor typically denotes romantic or passionate love. In contrast, cāritās denotes a more elevated, affectionate or selfless kind of love, such as the bond between friends or the concept of charity.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
amor is a masculine noun. To indicate possession or a relationship, such as 'of love', use the genitive singular form amoris. To refer to multiple instances or objects of love, use the plural form amores.
When do people say it?
cāritās encompasses a profound and selfless love, often associated with charitable actions and unconditional goodwill.
Did you know?
- The word cāritās is the direct ancestor of the English word 'charity'. While 'charity' now often refers to giving money, in Latin it described a selfless and high-minded love.
- Romans used amor to describe not only affection but also the god of love himself. In this context, the word acts as a proper name for the deity.
- Latin poets often used amor as a shorthand for 'the lover' or 'the beloved'. Depending on the sentence, the word could refer to the feeling or the person feeling it.
Examples in context
- amor alicuius / in aliquem / erga aliquemLove for somebodyThis sentence is useful for showing how to express love for somebody using amor.
- Hic amor non est.This isn't love.This sentence is useful for a simple negation of the word amor.Tatoeba #2599532 by alexmarcelo, translation #2233756 by CK
- Nescio an sit amor.I do not know if it is love.This sentence is useful for expressing uncertainty about whether something is amor.Tatoeba #7020286 by alexmarcelo, translation #1742999 by belgavox
- 120 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Marcus and Claudia are talking about their relationship.
- MarcusTuus amor me beat.Your love makes me happy.
- ClaudiaEt meus amor te semper proteget.And my love will always protect you.
- MarcusHic amor est vera virtus.This love is a true virtue.
- ClaudiaIta, amor noster est aeternus.Yes, our love is eternal.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “love” translations and entries amor, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
