Sinhalese (also known as Sinhala) is one of the official languages of Sri Lanka and is spoken by the majority of the population. If you’re looking to express love and affection in Sinhalese, here’s how you can say “I love you” in the language:
1. “ආයුබෝවන්” (Āyubōvan) – General Greeting
While “Āyubōvan” doesn’t directly mean “I love you,” it’s a common and culturally important greeting in Sri Lanka. It translates to “May you live long,” and is often used as a warm, affectionate greeting. This is a more formal and respectful expression of goodwill and well-wishing, commonly heard in Sri Lanka.
2. “මම ඔයාට ආදරෙයි” (Mama oyāṭa ādarayi)
The most straightforward way to say “I love you” in Sinhalese is:
“මම ඔයාට ආදරෙයි” (Mama oyāṭa ādarayi)
- Mama = I
- oyāṭa = to you (pronoun for “you” in an informal, familiar sense)
- ādarayi = love (verb)
This is an informal, affectionate way of saying “I love you” to someone you are close to, such as a partner, family member, or close friend.
3. “මට ඔයාට ආදරෙයි” (Maṭa oyāṭa ādarayi)
This variation of “I love you” can be used, and it carries a slightly more formal or respectful tone.
“මට ඔයාට ආදරෙයි” (Maṭa oyāṭa ādarayi) also means “I love you,” but “maṭa” (to me) emphasizes that the speaker is expressing personal affection.
Cultural Context of Love in Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, expressing love verbally is important in close relationships, but it is also common to show affection through actions. Sinhalese culture tends to prioritize respect, kindness, and emotional depth in relationships, and “I love you” is often used as part of a larger gesture of care, both verbally and through deeds.
Love, affection, and kindness are highly valued, and phrases like “Mama oyāṭa ādarayi” hold a meaningful place in Sri Lankan society.
In Sinhalese, the phrase “Mama oyāṭa ādarayi” is the most common way to say “I love you,” with “ādarayi” meaning love. As with many languages, how you express love in Sinhalese can depend on the context and the level of formality, but this phrase is a heartfelt and direct way to show affection to someone special.