Learning a new language opens not just the doors to a new culture, but also the heart. If you’re interested in Hebrew, either because you’re planning a trip to Israel or because you have met someone special who speaks the language, knowing some romantic and affectionate phrases can help communicate your feelings. Here are a few to get you started:

אני אוהב/ת אותך (Ani ohev/et otach/otcha)
This is the most straightforward way to say “I love you” in Hebrew. Use “אוהב” (ohev) if you are male and “אוהבת” (ohev-et) if you are female, followed by “אותך” (otcha) for addressing a male or “אותך” (otach) for a female.
כשראיתי אותך לראשונה, ידעתי שאני אוהב אותך.

יקירתי/יקירי (Yakarati/Yakari)
Meaning “my dear” or “my beloved,” these terms express affection and endearment. “יקירתי” (Yakarati) is used when speaking to a female and “יקירי” (Yakari) for a male.
היי יקירתי, מה שלומך היום?

נשמה שלי (Neshama sheli)
This phrase translates to “my soul” and conveys a deep connection with the person you’re addressing.
את תמיד תהיי נשמה שלי.

חמוד/ה (Chamud/a)
Use “חמוד” (chamud) for a male or “חמודה” (chamuda) for a female to call someone “cutie” or “sweetie.”
אתה כל כך חמוד שאני לא יכולה להתאפק.

לב שלי (Lev sheli)
Literally translating to “my heart,” this phrase poetically shares how essential someone is to you.
אתה לב שלי ואני רוצה להיות איתך לנצח.

מתגעגע/ת אליך (Mitga’age’a/et elecha/eilayich)
This means “I miss you.” “מתגעגע” (Mitga’age’a) is for males, and “מתגעגעת” (Mitga’age’et) is for females. “אליך” (elecha) is used when the object of affection is male, and “אלייך” (eilayich) when female.
כל הזמן אני מתגעגע אלייך.

תפוח אדמה שלי (Tapuach adama sheli)
While it may sound funny, “my little potato” is an affectionate term in Hebrew, indicating you find someone sweet and adorable.
את כל כך מתוקה, תפוח אדמה שלי.

אני חושב/ת עליך (Ani choshev/et alayich/alecha)
This means “I’m thinking of you.” “חושב” (choshev) is used by males and “חושבת” (choshevet) by females. “עליך” (alayich) is used for females and “עליך” (alecha) for males.
כל היום אני חושבת עליך.

ממש חולה עלייך (Mamash choleh alayich/aleyha)
This phrase translates to “I’m totally crazy about you.” Use “עלייך” (alayich) for addressing a female and “עליך” (aleyha) for a male.
מהרגע שפגשנו, אני ממש חולה עלייך.

These phrases are just the beginning of expressing love and affection in Hebrew. Remember that language and love go hand-in-hand, and using local, heartfelt expressions can deeply touch the heart of your listener. Good luck with your Hebrew language learning journey and may it be as fulfilling as it is romantic!