Saying “I love you” is a big step in any relationship. But if you’re looking to express your affection to someone who speaks Ukrainian, knowing the right words can make all the difference. This article will explore how to say “I love you” in Ukrainian, along with other romantic phrases to help you deepen your connection.
I love you in Ukrainian
Two Ways to Express Your Love
Interestingly, the Ukrainian language offers two distinct ways to express romantic love:
- Кохання (Kokhannya): This word refers exclusively to romantic love, the passionate and intimate kind.
- Любов (Lyubov): While encompassing romantic love, lyubov also extends to other forms of love, like the affection you feel for family, country, or even…borscht!
Therefore, you have two options for saying “I love you” in Ukrainian:
- Я кохаю тебе! (Ya kokhayu tebe!) – I love you (using kokhannya)
- Я люблю тебе! (Ya lyublyu tebe!) – I love you (using lyubov)
Feel free to use either phrase interchangeably. You can also amplify your declaration by adding дуже (duzhe), meaning “very much”:
- Я дуже тебе кохаю! (Ya duzhe tebe kokhayu!) – I love you very much!
- Я тебе дуже люблю! (Ya tebe duzhe lyublyu!) – I love you very much!
- Дуже-дуже-дуже люблю тебе! (Duzhe-duzhe-duzhe lyublyu tebe!) – I love you very, very, very much!
Beyond “I Love You”: More Romantic Ukrainian Phrases
Ukrainian Romantic Phrases
Expanding your romantic vocabulary beyond “I love you” allows for more nuanced expressions of affection. Here are some useful phrases:
Expressing Longing:
- Я сумую без тебе (Ya sumuyu bez tebe) – I miss you (literally, “I am sad without you”)
- Я сумую за тобою (Ya sumuyu za toboyu) – I miss you
- Я скучив/скучила (Ya skuchiv/skuchyala) – I’ve missed you (masculine/feminine form)
Giving Compliments:
Compliments in Ukrainian
- Ти такий гарний! (Ty taky harnyy!) – You are so handsome! (to a man)
- Ти така гарна! (Ty taka harna!) – You are so beautiful! (to a woman)
Terms of Endearment:
Terms of Endearment
Ukrainian offers a wealth of endearing terms:
- Моє серденько (Moe serdenko) – My sweetheart
- Моє сонечко (Moe sonechko) – My sunshine
- Котик/Кітка (Kotyк/Kitka) – Kitten (a common term of endearment for both genders)
Asking Someone to Be Yours:
Asking Someone to Be Yours
- Будеш моєю дівчиною? (Budesh moyeiu divchynoyu?) – Will you be my girlfriend?
- Будеш моїм хлопцем? (Budesh moyim hlopcem?) – Will you be my boyfriend?
Expressing Happiness:
Expressing Happiness
- Я щасливий/щаслива з тобою (Ya shchaslyvyy/shchaslyva z toboyu) – I am happy with you (masculine/feminine form)
Simple Gestures of Affection:
Simple Gestures
- Обійми мене! (Obiymy mene!) – Hug me!
- Поцілуй мене! (Potsiyluy mene!) – Kiss me!
The Ultimate Question:
The Proposal
- Виходь за мене! (Vyhody za mene!) – Marry me! (to a woman)
- Ти будеш моїм чоловіком? (Ty budesh moyim cholovikom?) – Will you be my husband? (to a man)
Express Your Love in Ukrainian
Learning these romantic Ukrainian phrases can enrich your relationship and create meaningful moments. Whether you’re confessing your love for the first time or simply expressing your affection, these words will help you communicate your feelings with sincerity and passion.
