Liking versus Loving

Question

.אֲנִי אוֹהֶבֶת חָתוּל כָּתוֹם How do I distinguish between liking the orange cat and loving the orange cat? Also, is there a way of distinguishing between liking *the* orange cat (the one we both know... maybe it's right in front of us) and *an* orange cat (some unspecified orange cat)?

Answer 1

Hi,

First, basically if you like you can use the verb מחבב/מחבבת which means like. That being said, most people use the verb love to describe also things that in English they might say they like and do not love.

Secondly, if you like the orange cat, it is specific.

אני מחבבת את החתול הכתום

If you like an orange cat just because thats the type of cat you like, you will need to talk in plural because it is something general that you like.

אני מחבבת חתולים כתומים

I hope that helps.

Best,

Nadav K