There are two common ways of saying “I love you” in Greek. One being «σ’ αγαπώ» or «σ’ αγαπάω» and the other «είμαι ερωτευμένος μαζί σου». «Σ’ αγαπώ» or «σ’ αγαπάω» can be used universally, whereas «είμαι ερωτευμένος μαζί σου» translates to «I am in love with you». The first is often associated with the ultimate feeling of love, while the second refers to the romantic love that can fade away or transform into something bigger.
• Σ’ αγαπώ
• Είμαι ερωτευμένος/η μαζί σου
Different Ways to Describe “Love” in Greek
In English, the word “love” can be quite ambiguous. It refers to different types of love; the motherly love, the romantic love, self-love, the love for god, as well as our personal interests and preferences. We love our friends, we love our partners, we love our favorite foods as well. In Greek, although there is a general term for “love”, «αγάπη», there are many different ways to express this emotion towards different people and objects.
Αγάπη – The Highest Form of Love
«Αγάπη» is the most general term used to express love in Greek and it usually refers to the highest form of love.
Έρωτας/ Έρως – The Romantic Love
The romantic feelings you develop for someone before being able to say whether you love them or not are described as «έρωτας» in Greek. It is associated with Έρως, the Greek version of cupid.
Φιλία – The Friendly/Platonic Love
«Φιλία» is the exact translation of «friendship», however, it describes fondness in general. It is often used instead of “Platonic love”, the non-romantic love. Nowadays, the word is often used to imply sexual attraction, although «φιλία» was coined to describe non-sexual relationships.
Στοργή – The Familial Love
«Στοργή» describes the familial love, usually the relationship between a parent or caregiver and a child. It describes tenderness and loving care.
This terms for love are often found with latin letters:
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