Ways to say it
| Hungarian | IPA |
|---|---|
| kedvesem | |
| szerelem | [ˈsɛrɛlɛm] (narrow) |
| édesem | |
| szerelmem | |
| drágám | [ˈdraːɡaːm] (narrow) |
| kicsim |
These terms are used to address a person who is very much liked or loved. drágám is a versatile way to address a romantic partner or a close loved one, similar to 'darling' in English, while kicsim is an affectionate term similar to 'cutie' or 'baby'.
What does it mean word for word?
In the word édesem, the base is édes (sweet) and the suffix -em means 'my', making the literal meaning 'my sweet'.
Which one should you use?
The forms vary in their specific nuance. While kedvesem is a general term for sweetheart or dear, szerelmem specifically means 'my love' and carries a stronger romantic weight. kicsim is a diminutive form of kicsi (small/little).
How does it change in a sentence?
The suffix -em in words like kedvesem or édesem functions as the first-person singular possessive, meaning 'my'. The suffix -m in words like drágám or kicsim functions as the first-person singular possessive, meaning 'my'.
Did you know?
- While drágám means 'my dear', the base word drága is also the standard word for 'expensive' in Hungarian.
- The root of szerelem is linked to the Proto-Uralic word for 'row' or 'order', suggesting that to love is originally to be 'joined' or 'linked' to another.
- Unlike English, where 'sweetheart' can be used by strangers (like a waitress), using these specific possessive terms with strangers in Hungary can be seen as overly intimate or intrusive.
Examples in context
- Jó éjt, drágám!Good night, sweetheart.This sentence shows how to use drágám when saying good night.Tatoeba #4418294 by maaster, translation #1909439 by Spamster
- Szeretlek, kedvesem.I love you, sweetheart.This sentence demonstrates the use of kedvesem when expressing love.Tatoeba #2178536 by Aleksandro40, translation #139171 by fengrim
- Kedves hölgyem, Ön a szívem édes szerelme.Dear lady, You are the sweetheart of my heart.
- Cucimuci, Ma olyan boldoggá teszel engem.Sweetheart, You make me so happy today.
- Mit hozzon neked, kedvesem?What should I bring you, sweetheart?
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Zoltán and Katalin are having breakfast together.
- ZoltánKérsz még egy csavárt, kedvesem?Would you like another roll, sweetheart?
- KatalinNem kell köszönöm, Zoltán.No thank you, Zoltán.
- ZoltánAkkor csak egy kávét szoksolok neked.Then I'll just make you a coffee.
- KatalinKöszenmétek nagyon!I would really appreciate that!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sweetheart” translations and entries szerelem, drágám, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries szerelem, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
