Love in different languages

Love in Different Languages

Discover 'Love' in 134 Languages: Dive into Translations, Hear Pronunciations, and Uncover Cultural Insights.

Updated on March 6, 2024

Love, a universal emotion, transcends language and cultural barriers. It is a powerful force that has inspired countless works of art, literature, and music. The significance of love cannot be overstated, as it is often the driving force behind many of our life decisions and experiences. Throughout history, love has been celebrated, romanticized, and scrutinized in various cultures around the world.

Moreover, understanding the translation of love in different languages can provide valuable insights into the cultural nuances and values of a particular region. For instance, the Greek language has several words to describe love, each with its own unique connotation. 'Agape' refers to divine, unconditional love, while 'philia' denotes friendship love. Meanwhile, the Chinese character for love, 'ài', is composed of the characters for heart and I, symbolizing the selfless nature of love.

With this in mind, exploring the translation of love in different languages is not only a linguistic exercise but also a cultural journey. Here are some translations of love in various languages to pique your curiosity and inspire your love for language and culture.

Love


Love in Sub-Saharan African Languages

Afrikaansliefde
The word "liefde" is derived from the Old Dutch word "liefde", meaning "affection, fondness, or devotion". It is related to the English word "lief", meaning "dear".
Amharicፍቅር
"ፍቅር" also means "an agreement" in legal contexts, like a contract or treaty.
Hausasoyayya
The Hausa word 'soyayya' also means 'affection' or 'care'.
Igboịhụnanya
"Ịhụnanya" in Igbo can also mean "care" or "compassion".
Malagasyfitiavana
"fitiavana" (pronounced fih-ty-a-va-nah) is derived from the root word "tia", meaning "to want", and the suffix "-vana", which indicates a state or quality."
Nyanja (Chichewa)chikondi
In Nyanja, "chikondi" also refers to the feeling of affection between relatives, friends, and even non-sentient beings.
Shonarudo
"Rudo" can also mean "peace" or "quiet" in Shona.
Somalijacayl
The Somali word 'jacayl' is derived from the Arabic word 'hubb', meaning 'passion' or 'affection'.
Sesotholerato
"Lerato" derives from the root "-ratola", meaning "to be pleasant, delightful".
Swahiliupendo
The Swahili word "upendo" can also mean "charity" or "grace."
Xhosauthando
In Xhosa, "uthando" can also refer to affection, fondness, or adoration.
Yorubaife
'Ìfé' is both the name of the Yoruba city where Orunmila established Ifa divination and also means 'to select' or 'to love'.
Zuluuthando
The Zulu word "uthando" has no direct English equivalent and encompasses several aspects of affection including: love, passion, and compassion.
Bambarakanu
Ewelɔ̃
Kinyarwandaurukundo
Lingalabolingo
Lugandaokwagala
Sepedilerato
Twi (Akan)ɔdɔ

Love in North African & Middle Eastern Languages

Arabicحب
The Arabic word "حب" (hubb) encompasses a range of meanings, including compassion, affection, desire, and kinship.
Hebrewאהבה
Pashtoمينه
The Pashto word "مينه" also refers to a type of flower, specifically the jasmine flower.
Arabicحب
The Arabic word "حب" (hubb) encompasses a range of meanings, including compassion, affection, desire, and kinship.

Love in Western European Languages

Albaniandashuri
The word 'dashuri' is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *deḱ-, signifying 'love' or 'relationship'.
Basquemaitasuna
The Basque word "maitasuna" also means "affection", "friendship" or "charity" depending on the context.
Catalanamor
In Catalan, "amor" can also refer to the feeling of affection shared between family members, similar to the English word "affection."
Croatianljubav
While the Croatian word ljuбав means 'love', it's cognate with the Russian word lyubov', meaning 'grace' or 'favor'.
Danishkærlighed
Kærlighed, meaning 'love' in Danish, traces its roots back to an Old Norse term denoting affection or desire.
Dutchliefde
The Dutch word 'liefde' originates from the Germanic word 'liuba', which means 'dear' or 'beloved'.
Englishlove
The word 'love' derives from Old English and Proto-Indo-European roots referring to affection, desire, and care.
Frenchamour
Frisianleafde
Leafde (love) is related to the Dutch word 'liefde' (love), and the German word 'Liebe' (love).
Galicianamor
In Galician "amor" also refers to an emotional attachment to something that is not a person.
Germanliebe
The word Liebe in German comes from the Proto-Germanic word **lubō**, meaning 'agreeable, dear, desirable'
Icelandicást
The word 'ást' in Icelandic is thought to be derived from the Proto-Germanic root *astiz, meaning 'favour, grace' or 'joy'.
Irishgrá
The Irish word "grá" comes from the Proto-Indo-European root "*ǵʰer-/*ǵʰreh- " to desire, to be greedy, to grasp."
Italianamore
"Amore" derives from the Latin word "amores", meaning both "love" and "sweetheart".
Luxembourgishléift
Alternately, Léift means 'dear, darling, sweetheart,' a term of endearment and affection similar to the English word 'dearest'.
Malteseimħabba
The Maltese word 'imħabba' also means 'affection' and is derived from the Arabic word 'maħabba' meaning 'love', 'affection' or 'friendship'.
Norwegiankjærlighet
The word 'kjærlighet' is derived from the Old Norse word 'kærleikr', meaning 'affection' or 'goodwill'.
Portuguese (Portugal, Brazil)amor
The word "amor" in Portuguese is derived from the Latin word "amor", which means "affection, love, desire".
Scots Gaelicghaoil
The Gaelic word 'ghaoil' is thought to mean 'stranger' or 'someone who is loved' in Irish Gaelic.
Spanishamor
The Latin etymology of 'amor' connects it to concepts of 'binding' and 'desire'.
Swedishkärlek
"Kärlek" can also mean affection, passion, or charity.
Welshcariad
Welsh 'cariad' has a range of synonyms, including 'affections', 'delight' and 'passion' and was used to mean 'friend'.

Love in Eastern European Languages

Belarusianкаханне
The Belarusian word "каханне" has Germanic roots and is related to the German word "König" (king).
Bosnianljubavi
The word "ljubavi" in Bosnian traces its roots back to the Proto-Slavic term "ljubъ" meaning "dear," and it retains this sense of affection and closeness in its modern usage.
Bulgarianлюбов
The word “любов” in Bulgarian is related to the word “lieben” in German and can also mean “a favourite.”
Czechmilovat
Milovat also means to have pity in Czech, similar to the English 'compassion' which stems from the Latin word meaning 'to suffer with'.
Estonianarmastus
The word "armastus" is derived from the Indo-European root *men-, meaning "to think" or "to care for".
Finnishrakkaus
Etymology unknown, but possibly related to 'rakentaa' ('to build') or 'rakkauden' ('of love').
Hungarianszeretet
The word "szeretet" in Hungarian is derived from the verb "szeretni", meaning "to hold dear" or "to cherish".
Latvianmīlestība
The word "mīlestība" is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*melh₁-", meaning "to grind".
Lithuanianmeilė
"Meilė" in Lithuanian is a derivative of the Proto-Slavic word *meile, meaning "pity" or "mercy."
Macedonianубов
Polishmiłość
The Polish word "miłość" (love), akin to Russian "милый" (cute), has also the archaic meaning of "dear, beloved" and is often used as a term of endearment.
Romaniandragoste
The Romanian word "dragoste" has Proto-Indo-European roots in the same family as the English word "dear."
Russianлюблю
"Люблю" can also mean "I like" or "I am fond of" in Russian.
Serbianљубав
The Serbian word "љубав" has cognates in Old Church Slavonic and Sanskrit
Slovakláska
The word "láska" in Slovak is derived from the Proto-Slavic word *ljubъ, meaning "dear" or "beloved."
Slovenianljubezen
The word ljubezen ('love') is derived from the Proto-Slavic *ľubъ ('dear'), related to Latin lubido ('passion') and Old English leof ('dear').
Ukrainianкохання
"Кохання" is derived from the Proto-Slavic "*xotěti," meaning "to desire, to want."

Love in South Asian Languages

Bengaliভালবাসা
The term "ভালবাসা" ('bhalobasha') can carry connotations analogous to 'affection' as opposed to a romantic connotation in English, and can sometimes extend even beyond this to mean something as basic as 'liking' something, depending on context.
Gujaratiપ્રેમ
Gujarati 'પ્રેમ' is a direct cognate of the Sanskrit 'preman' which also has meanings of 'devotion', 'affection', and 'attachment'.
Hindiप्रेम
The Hindi word "प्रेम" has ancient Sanskrit roots and can encompass various meanings such as affection, fondness, or romantic love.
Kannadaಪ್ರೀತಿ
"ಪ್ರೀತಿ" is thought to be derived from the word "ಅಪ್ರೀತಿ" (apreeti), meaning "disinclination," implying that love is the opposite of disliking someone."
Malayalamസ്നേഹം
Marathiप्रेम
"प्रेम" stems from the Sanskrit "प्री" meaning fondness, affection or liking, and shares the Indo-European root with "friendship".
Nepaliमाया
The Nepali word 'माया' also refers to a philosophical concept that explores the illusory nature of reality and the attachment to worldly possessions.
Punjabiਪਿਆਰ
The Punjabi word "pyār" has a wide range of meanings depending on the context, including affection, attachment, infatuation, and reverence.
Sinhala (Sinhalese)ආදරය
"ආදරය" (love) also refers to warmth and kindness, and can extend beyond the romantic or intimate sense of love.
Tamilகாதல்
The Tamil word 'காதல்' (kaadhal) originates from the Proto-Dravidian root 'kad', meaning 'bond or affection', and also has connotations of 'earnest desire' and 'longing'.
Teluguప్రేమ
The word "ప్రేమ" comes from the Proto-Dravidian root "*pir-" meaning "to love, to desire".
Urduمحبت
محبت was borrowed into Urdu from Persian and ultimately derives from Arabic; it can also mean 'affection' or 'kindness'.

Love in East Asian Languages

Chinese (Simplified)
The character "爱" in Chinese is composed of the radicals "心" (heart) and "又" (to give), suggesting the idea of "giving one's heart".
Chinese (Traditional)
"愛" can also mean "to pity" or "to care for".
Japanese
愛 (ai) in Japanese can also refer to affection, kindness, or compassion.
Korean사랑
사랑 (love) can also mean 'thought', 'desire', or 'yearning'; its root is '사리다' (to think)
Mongolianхайр
The word хайр also means "good fortune", "wealth", or "luck" in Mongolian.
Myanmar (Burmese)အချစ်

Love in South East Asian Languages

Indonesiancinta
Javanesekatresnan
"Katresnan" in Javanese is derived from the word "tresna", meaning "desire", "longing", or "passion."
Khmerស្រឡាញ់
The term is also used to describe a protective feeling towards a child or sibling.
Laoຮັກ
The Lao word "ຮັກ" (love) is also used to express affection, compassion, and desire.
Malaycinta
Thaiความรัก
In Thai, "ความรัก" (love) can also refer to "compassion" or "affection" for someone or something.
Vietnameseyêu và quý
Yêu, meaning "to love", and quý, meaning "to respect", are often used together in Vietnamese to express "love and respect."
Filipino (Tagalog)pag-ibig

Love in Central Asian Languages

Azerbaijanisevgi
Sevgi's etymology traces back to the Old Turkic word "Sevgi," meaning "to be attached to."
Kazakhмахаббат
The Kazakh word "махаббат", while commonly translated as "love," also describes strong affection for family, friends, and homeland.
Kyrgyzсүйүү
The word "сүйүү" in Kyrgyz can also refer to affection towards a child or a pet.
Tajikдӯст доштан
The word "дӯст доштан" ("love") comes from the Persian "دوست داشتن," which literally means "to have friends" in Persian.
Turkmensöýgi
Uzbeksevgi
Sevgi originated from the Sogdian language and also means "affection", "compassion", and "attachment."
Uyghurمۇھەببەت

Love in Pacific Languages

Hawaiianaloha
Aloha can also mean affection, compassion, mercy, or sympathy.
Maoriaroha
The Maori word "Aroha" encompasses a range of emotions beyond romantic love, including empathy, compassion, and a deep spiritual connection.
Samoanalofa
While alofa primarily means 'love' in Samoan, it can also refer to a person's sweetheart or a close friend.
Tagalog (Filipino)pag-ibig
"Pag-ibig" in Tagalog literally means "to give" or "to share something," emphasizing the selfless and giving nature of love.

Love in American Indigenous Languages

Aymaramunaña
Guaranimborayhu

Love in International Languages

Esperantoamo
"Am" in Esperanto comes from the Latin "amare," and "o" is a common ending for Esperanto nouns.
Latinamare
Latin **amare** (love) derives from Proto-Indo-European *h₂meh₁(s)-, meaning 'to fit' or 'to be willing'.

Love in Others Languages

Greekαγάπη
The word "αγάπη" (love) in Greek also has connotations of affection, goodwill, and charity.
Hmongkev hlub
"Kev hlub" can also mean "affection" or "compassion" in Hmong.
Kurdishevîn
The word "evîn" in Kurdish can also refer to "desire" or "affection".
Turkishaşk
"Aşk" has a root in Sanskrit as "iṣṭa" meaning "desired" and Persian as "išt" meaning "fond of".
Xhosauthando
In Xhosa, "uthando" can also refer to affection, fondness, or adoration.
Yiddishליבע
The Yiddish word "libe" also means "belief" and comes from the verb "libn" to believe.
Zuluuthando
The Zulu word "uthando" has no direct English equivalent and encompasses several aspects of affection including: love, passion, and compassion.
Assameseভালপোৱা
Aymaramunaña
Bhojpuriप्यार
Dhivehiލޯބި
Dogriहिरख
Filipino (Tagalog)pag-ibig
Guaranimborayhu
Ilocanoayat
Kriolɔv
Kurdish (Sorani)خۆشەویستی
Maithiliप्रेम
Meiteilon (Manipuri)ꯅꯨꯡꯁꯤꯕ
Mizohmangaihna
Oromojaalala
Odia (Oriya)ପ୍ରେମ
Quechuakuyay
Sanskritस्नेहः
Tatarмәхәббәт
Tigrinyaፍቅሪ
Tsongarirhandzu

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