How to Say "My Dear" in Greek

αγαπητέ μου

agapite mou

In Greek, "my dear" is translated as αγαπητέ μου (agapite mou).

This phrase is used as a polite or formal way to address someone, frequently appearing as the opening salutation in letters or emails. It is appropriate for professional contexts or when showing respect to elders.

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase is composed of the vocative form of the adjective αγαπητός (dear/beloved) and the possessive pronoun μου (my).

Which one should you use?

While αγαπητέ μου is used for a single man, Αγαπητή μου is the feminine version used for a single woman. For addressing a group, you should use αγαπητοί μου (masculine or mixed group) or αγαπητές μου (feminine group). For a more affectionate, informal tone when addressing a group, you can use Αγαπημένοι μου.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

αγαπητέ μου is a formal expression used in professional correspondence. Conversely, Αγαπημένοι μου is an informal expression used to address a group of people in an affectionate manner.

How does it change in a sentence?

The phrase must change gender to match the person being addressed: use αγαπητή μου for a woman and αγαπητέ μου for a man. When addressing multiple people, the phrase changes to the plural form αγαπητοί μου (masculine/mixed) or αγαπητές μου (feminine).

How do you pronounce it?

agapite mou

Did you know?

The phrase αγαπητέ μου can sometimes be used ironically or patronizingly in heated arguments, similar to how one might use 'my dear' to dismiss someone in English.
The Greek language has several different words for 'love', but αγαπητέ specifically derives from the one used for affectionate and devoted love, rather than passionate or erotic love.
The root of αγαπητέ is the same as the word 'agape', which refers to the highest form of unconditional, selfless love in Greek philosophy and theology.

Examples in context

Καλημέρα, αγαπητή μου
Good morning, my dear.
Σας καλωσορίζω, αγαπητοί μου
Welcome, my dear ones.
Έλα εδώ, αγαπημένε μου
Come here, my dear.
Καλό βράδυ, αγαπημένη μου
Good evening, my dear.
Σας ευχαριστώ, αγαπημένοι μου
Thank you, my dear ones.
Αγαπητέ μου κύριε, σας ευχαριστώ για την επιστολή.
Agapeté mou kýrie, sas efcharistó gia tin epistilí.
My dear sir, thank you for the letter.
Αγαπητέ μου φίλε, περιμένω νέα σου.
Agapeté mou fíle, periméno néa sou.
My dear friend, I am waiting for your news.
Αγαπητέ μου κύριε Παπαδόπουλο, σας χαιρετώ.
Agapeté mou kýrie Papadópoulo, sas chairetó.
My dear Mr. Papadopoulos, I greet you.

Example conversation

George is writing a formal email to Anastasia's father.

Γιώργος Giorgos

Αγαπητέ μου κύριε, θα ήθελα να σας μιλήσω.
Agapité mou kýrie, tha íthela na sas milíso.
My dear sir, I would like to speak with you.
Αναστασία Anastasia

Φυσικά, Γιώργο. Τι συμβαίνει;
Fysiká, Giórgo. Ti symvaínei?
Of course, George. What is happening?
Γιώργος Giorgos

Θέλω να σας ζητήσω μια χάρη.
Thélo na sas zitíso mia chári.
I want to ask you for a favor.
Αναστασία Anastasia

Πες μου, θα σε ακούσω προσεκτικά.
Pes mou, tha se akoúso prosektiká.
Tell me, I will listen to you carefully.

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How to Say “My Dear” in Greek