σε αγαπάμε
se agapame
'we love you' in Greek is expressed as σε αγαπάμε (se agapame).
This phrase is used by a group of people to express their deep affection for one person.
Which one should you use?
Use σε αγαπάμε for a single person you are on intimate or friendly terms with, such as a child or a close friend. Use σας αγαπάμε when the group is expressing love to multiple people (e.g., a group of friends) or to a single person in a formal context.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the group is addressing more than one person, or addressing one person with formal respect, the pronoun σε must be changed to σας. In natural speech, the pronoun σε is often shortened to σ' when it precedes a word starting with a vowel, as in σ' αγαπάμε.
How do you pronounce it?
se agapame
Did you know?
- The verb αγαπάμε is derived from the concept of agape, which represents a selfless, unconditional love, as opposed to eros for passion or philia for friendship.
- While σε αγαπάμε expresses a deep bond, Greeks may use μου λείπεις, which literally means 'you are missing from me', to convey that someone is loved and missed at the same time.
- In Greek, the word 'agape' used in σε αγαπάμε entered the English language specifically to describe the highest form of divine or universal love.
Examples in context
- Σε αγαπάμε πολύ, μικρέ μας.Se agapame poli, mikre mas.We love you very much, our little one.
- Μην ξεχνάς ποτέ ότι σε αγαπάμε.Min xchnas pote oti se agapame.Never forget that we love you.
Example conversation
A mother and father are seeing their son off to university.
- Ελένη EleniΚαλή τύχη στο πανεπιστήμιο, γιε μας.Kali tichi sto panepistimio, gie mas.Good luck at university, our son.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕυχαριστώ, μαμά και μπαμπά.Efcharisto, mama kai baba.Thank you, mom and dad.
- Ελένη EleniΝα είσαι καλά, σε αγαπάμε.Na eisai kala, se agapame.Take care, we love you.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΚι εγώ σας αγαπώ πολύ.Ki ego sas agapo poli.And I love you both very much.
