I realised that English has only 1 word for love, and is used interchangeably for almost everything. We can say I love my husband and I love Chocolate.
The Greeks, on the other hand, have four different words to describe love. Each word differs slightly in meaning to help us understand more fully what is being spoken of;
e.g. eros; love between a guy and a girl
e.g. storge; used for love between family members
e.g agape; used for unconditional, selfless love
But why do the Greeks have 4 different words to describe love, while in English, we only have 1? Is it the difference due to how the greeks perceive love in thier cultures?
2007-09-21 16:03:21 · 9 answers · asked by Chloe 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Greek is a rich language
remember that this is the language used to describe deep philosophical ideas and theories
We (Greeks)have many words that are translated in English as the one and same but they have different meanings like Love that you mentioned above
English is a world language, maybe good for trade and business things but not good enough to describe life and inner feelings..
I must admit that sometimes I find it really difficult to express myself in English, trying to find similar words that we use in Greek
2007-09-21 22:43:13 · answer #1 · answered by ..Tolia.. 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Actually, the english vocabulary is not so limited either. They've got affection, which is same as storge, also endearment, cherish, adore, treasure (as a verb), the only problem is with love (it means both eros and agapi).
However, I don't think it is a different conceptual approach of the 2 cultures, I think it has to do with the fact that the Greek language has a wide and deep at the same time subtlety and richness in expressing ideas and concepts.
Usually, languages have many variations of a word when they have to do with practical issues, like Eskimos (and skiers) have many words for snow. But I think all people love in the same way.
2007-09-21 23:02:12 · answer #2 · answered by cpinatsi 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You cited 3 words, which one is the fourth? Anyway, don't worry, when you say in Greek "I love you" it is only in one way, regardless whether it is erotic, friendly, or motherly. S' agapo.
In other languages they have more words to describe what in Greek is said with one word, this does not mean something specific, it is just the evolution (in your case, eros is an ancient Greek word, and storgi does not mean love, it is translated as affection - so you see, only 2 words :))
2007-09-23 11:23:37 · answer #3 · answered by yiotadelta 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the meaning is clearer. When we say to a person in English "I love you"...that is open to many interpretations...which is why we resort to saying silly things like "I love you, but I don't LOVE, love you..."
You know? Kinda doesn't make any sense.
I think the Greeks had the right idea.
Oh...and you only listed 3 words...is the 4th one philos??
2007-09-21 18:58:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its because they are different kinds of loves. You feel different emotions.
I can't really say I love my boyfriend (eros) the same way I love my best friend (phileos).
I feel kind of cheated, in that we have such a limited means of expressing the kind of love we feel. In Greek, there wouldn't be confusion when someone says "I love you".
In english, its like "Oh..in...what...way?"
In Greek (and most other langauges) its "I love you like a brother, I love you in an erotic way, I love you unconditionally etc etc"
Its just the natural way the language developed.
2007-09-21 16:19:03 · answer #5 · answered by treemeadow 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There's
erotic love, also the same word as love between male & female [eros]
phileos as someone said could be "friendly love", as in friendships or love between people of the same gender?! [at least in ancient usage as a euphemism]
agape is love as in "I love you": "S'agapo".
storge? I don't know what this word means but you said it's between family members?
2007-09-22 15:05:07 · answer #6 · answered by bryan_q 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I think,Greek is a really old,rich and fantastic language.And that's why I'm so enthusiastic about it =)
Greek language is 3000 years old.So,it is logical to have different language rules.
2007-09-22 22:54:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't know y english has word. However many other languages have several words for love as well.
Our language (English) has one word for many other things.
2007-09-21 16:14:10 · answer #8 · answered by spongebob 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe it's because Greeks are great lovers......
2007-09-21 16:11:37 · answer #9 · answered by Gypsy Girl 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋