Which one should you use?
While miłość is the noun for the concept of love, the verb kochać is used to express the actual action of loving someone or something. For a more specific meaning of being strongly inclined towards doing something, such as liking or adoring something, use the verb uwielbiać.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word miłość changes its form in sentences. For example, miłości is the genitive singular form, which is used to indicate possession or follows certain prepositions.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmi.wɔɕtɕ/. It has 2 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use the reflexive verb kochać się when you want to express romantic affection for someone. In Polish, kochać się is a euphemism that means to have sex with someone.
When do people say it?
The related verb kochać się is used euphemistically to mean making love.
Did you know?
- In Polish, the verb kochać is reserved for deep emotional bonds, while the verb lubić is used for 'liking' people. Using kochać too early in a relationship is considered a much more serious commitment than saying 'I love you' in English.
- The verb uwielbiać, used for adoring things or hobbies, is closely related to the word wielbić, which means 'to worship'. Expressing a love for a hobby in Polish can sound like an act of veneration.
- While miłość is the noun for love, Polish uses the word miłosierdzie to mean 'mercy'. This literally translates to 'merciful love' or 'love of mercy'.
Examples in context
- Czy to jest miłość?Is this love?This sentence is useful for asking if a feeling is miłość.Tatoeba #1614291 by zipangu, translation #326263 by CK
- To nie jest miłość.It isn't love.This sentence is useful for stating that something is not miłość.Tatoeba #2736287 by Martka, translation #12388828 by sundown
- Miłość jest do dupy.Love sucks.This sentence is useful for expressing a negative opinion about miłość.Tatoeba #9714658 by Tomo77, translation #1119328 by Amastan
- Kocham cię z całego sercaI love you with all my heart
- Kocham CięI love you
- Kocham moją rodzinęI love my family
- Jak się czujesz, kochanie?How are you feeling, love?
- 70 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two people are talking about their feelings in a park.
- PiotrTo jest prawdziwa miłość.This is true love.
- AnnaCzy ty to czujesz, Piotr?Do you feel it, Piotr?
- PiotrTak, moja miłość do ciebie jest ogromna.Yes, my love for you is huge.
- AnnaTo jest bardzo miłe.That is very sweet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “love” translations and entries miłość, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
