Ways to say it
| Ukrainian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| коха́ння | koxánnja | neuter |
| любо́в | ljubóv | feminine |
The term refers to strong affection. While Любов is the general word for 'love' in Ukrainian, the specific noun used depends on the type of affection being described. Related verbs also distinguish between general affection and romantic passion.
Which one should you use?
There are two main forms for the noun depending on the context: коха́ння is used specifically for romantic or passionate love between partners, whereas любо́в is used for more abstract, spiritual or high-style concepts, such as love for God or humanity. Regarding the verbs, коха́ти is used exclusively for romantic love between people, while люби́ти is used for general affection, such as loving a person non-romantically, a hobby, food or a place.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
koxánnja
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the verb коха́ти to mean "to like" or to express affection for an object or thing. This verb should only be used for romantic partners.
When do people say it?
Terms of endearment such as котик and сонечко are commonly used to express affection.
Did you know?
- The word Любов is used as a common female first name in Ukraine, derived from the general word for 'love'.
- A person might say they люби́ти their spouse to describe a deep, enduring companionate affection, while using коха́ти to describe the passionate spark.
- If you tell a friend you коха́ю them, you are essentially proposing a romantic relationship rather than expressing friendship.
Examples in context
- Я дуже люблю тебе.I love you very much.
- Моє кохання до тебе безмежне.My love for you is boundless.
- Я тебе кохаю.I love you.
- Будь-ласка, любіть один одного.Please, love one another.
Example conversation
Oleksandr and Olena are talking about their relationship.
- Олександр OleksandrОлено, моє коха́ння до тебе безмежне.Oleno, moye kokhannya do tebe bezmezhne.Olena, my love for you is boundless.
- Олена OlenaЦе так мило, Олександре!Tse tak mylo, Oleksandre!That is so sweet, Oleksandr!
- Олександр OleksandrТи моє найбільше коха́ння.Ty moye naibilshe kokhannya.You are my greatest love.
- Олена OlenaЯ теж тебе дуже кохаю.Ya tezh tebe duzhe kokhayu.I love you very much too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “love” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
