This page lists 101 Greek words that start with A, running from “Adelfi” to “Axonas.” The list covers nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs and a few other word types, from everyday terms like “avgo” (egg) and “avrio” (tomorrow) to older words from philosophy, mythology and history. You can use it to build your vocabulary, prepare for a trip to Greece, help with Greek homework, or trace where English words come from.
Greek words are the building blocks of one of the oldest written languages still spoken today, with a record stretching back more than 3,000 years. Many of them live on in English, which is why “alphabet” comes straight from “alfa” and “alfavito,” the names of the first Greek letters.
Below you’ll find the table with the word, English translation, part of speech, example usage and description for each entry.
Word: The Greek word written in Latin letters, so you can read it aloud and search for it without needing the Greek alphabet.
English translation: The closest English meaning, so you can quickly see what each Greek word stands for and compare similar terms.
Part of speech: Shows whether the word is a noun, verb, adjective, adverb or another type, which helps you place it correctly in a sentence.
Example usage: A short sentence in Greek with its English meaning, so you can see how native speakers use the word in real situations.
Description: A brief note on the word’s origin, cultural background or common use, which makes it easier to remember and understand in context.
Greek words
| Word | English translation | Part of speech | Example usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adelfi | sister | noun | “I adelfi mou ine daskala.” (My sister is a teacher.) |
| Adelfos | brother | noun | “O adelfos mou meni stin Athina.” (My brother lives in Athens.) |
| Adikia | injustice | noun | “I adikia thymonei olous.” (Injustice angers everyone.) |
| Aeras | air, wind | noun | “O aeras ine poli dynatos simera.” (The wind is very strong today.) |
| Aerodromio | airport | noun | “Pame sto aerodromio.” (Let’s go to the airport.) |
| Aeroplano | airplane | noun | “To aeroplano prosgeionetai stis okto.” (The plane lands at eight.) |
| Aftokinito | car | noun | “Agorasa neo aftokinito.” (I bought a new car.) |
| Afto | this | pronoun | “Afto ine poli kalo.” (This is very good.) |
| Agalma | statue | noun | “To agalma stin plateia ine arxaio.” (The statue in the square is ancient.) |
| Agapao | I love | verb | “Se agapao.” (I love you.) |
| Agapi | love | noun | “I agapi ine dynami.” (Love is strength.) |
| Agapimenos | beloved, favorite | adjective | “Ine to agapimeno mou fagito.” (It is my favorite food.) |
| Agathos | good, kind | adjective | “Agathos anthropos.” (A good man.) |
| Aggelos | angel, messenger | noun | “Einai ena aggelos.” (She is an angel.) |
| Agglia | England | noun | “Taxidevo stin Agglia.” (I am traveling to England.) |
| Agglika | English (language) | noun | “Milas Agglika?” (Do you speak English?) |
| Agkyra | anchor | noun | “To ploio riksa agkyra.” (The ship dropped anchor.) |
| Agkinara | artichoke | noun | “Agkinares a la polita.” (Artichokes in the Constantinople style.) |
| Agonas | struggle, race, contest | noun | “O agonas ksekinise.” (The race has started.) |
| Agonia | anxiety, agony | noun | “Perimena me agonia.” (I was waiting anxiously.) |
| Agora | marketplace | noun | “Pigame stin agora gia psonia.” (We went to the market to shop.) |
| Agorazo | I buy | verb | “Tha agoraso psomi.” (I will buy bread.) |
| Agori | boy | noun | “To agori paizei podosfairo.” (The boy is playing soccer.) |
| Agrios | wild | adjective | “Agria lulouda.” (Wild flowers.) |
| Agros | field, farmland | noun | “O agros ine gemato stahi.” (The field is full of wheat.) |
| Aidoni | nightingale | noun | “To aidoni tragouda tin anoixi.” (The nightingale sings in spring.) |
| Akadimia | academy | noun | “I Akadimia Athinon ine istoriki.” (The Academy of Athens is historic.) |
| Akoma | still, yet, even | adverb | “Akoma den irthe.” (He has not come yet.) |
| Akouo | I hear, I listen | verb | “Akouo mousiki.” (I am listening to music.) |
| Akrivos | exactly | adverb | “Akrivos etsi!” (Exactly like that!) |
| Akribis | accurate, precise | adjective | “Mia akribis metrisi.” (An accurate measurement.) |
| Akropoli | Acropolis | noun | “Anevikame stin Akropoli.” (We climbed the Acropolis.) |
| Akti | beach, coast | noun | “I akti ine omorfi.” (The beach is beautiful.) |
| Alati | salt | noun | “Valte alati sto fagito.” (Add salt to the food.) |
| Alepou | fox | noun | “Mia alepou perase apo dipla.” (A fox passed nearby.) |
| Alfa | alpha | noun | “To alfa ine to proto gramma.” (Alpha is the first letter.) |
| Alfavito | alphabet | noun | “To elliniko alfavito echei 24 grammata.” (The Greek alphabet has 24 letters.) |
| Alitheia | truth | noun | “Pes mou tin alitheia.” (Tell me the truth.) |
| Alla | but, other things | conjunction | “Thelo na erthw, alla den boro.” (I want to come, but I can’t.) |
| Allazo | I change | verb | “Prepei na allaxo roucha.” (I must change clothes.) |
| Allos | other, another | adjective | “Thelo allo ena.” (I want another one.) |
| Amaxi | car, carriage | noun | “Ine neo to amaxi mou.” (My car is new.) |
| Ambeli | vineyard | noun | “I ambelia einai gemata stafylia.” (The vineyard is full of grapes.) |
| Ambrosia | ambrosia | noun | “I ambrosia itan trofi ton theon.” (Ambrosia was the food of the gods.) |
| Amesos | immediately | adverb | “Ela amesos!” (Come immediately!) |
| Amfitheatro | amphitheater | noun | “To amfitheatro tis Epidavrou ine entyposiako.” (The theater of Epidaurus is impressive.) |
| Amforeas | amphora | noun | “Vrikan enan arxaio amforea.” (They found an ancient amphora.) |
| Ammos | sand | noun | “O ammos ine zestos.” (The sand is hot.) |
| Amygdalo | almond | noun | “Ta amygdala ine ugieina.” (Almonds are healthy.) |
| Anagnorisi | recognition | noun | “I anagnorisi ine mia klasiki stigmi tis tragodias.” (Recognition is a classic moment in tragedy.) |
| Ananas | pineapple | noun | “Ena gliko me ananas.” (A dessert with pineapple.) |
| Anarchia | anarchy | noun | “Epikratei anarchia.” (Anarchy reigns.) |
| Anastasi | resurrection | noun | “I Anastasi ine i megaliteri giorti.” (Easter is the biggest holiday.) |
| Anemos | wind | noun | “Ena anemos fysaei.” (A wind is blowing.) |
| Anixi | spring (season) | noun | “I anixi ine i omorfoteri epochi.” (Spring is the most beautiful season.) |
| Anoichto | open | adjective | “To magazi ine anoichto.” (The shop is open.) |
| Antikeimeno | object | noun | “Afto to antikeimeno ine paraxeno.” (This object is strange.) |
| Antio | goodbye | interjection | “Antio kai kalo taxidi!” (Goodbye and have a good trip!) |
| Anthos | flower | noun | “Ena anthos ston kipo.” (A flower in the garden.) |
| Anthropos | person, human | noun | “O anthropos ine koinonikos.” (Man is social.) |
| Apantisi | answer | noun | “Perimeno tin apantisi sou.” (I am waiting for your answer.) |
| Apatheia | apathy, indifference | noun | “I apatheia ine epikindyni.” (Apathy is dangerous.) |
| Apo | from, of | preposition | “Imai apo tin Ellada.” (I am from Greece.) |
| Apogevma | afternoon | noun | “To apogevma pigame gia kafe.” (In the afternoon we went for coffee.) |
| Apokries | carnival | noun | “Stis Apokries ntyvomaste me stoles.” (At carnival we dress in costumes.) |
| Apopse | tonight | adverb | “Apopse vgainoume.” (We are going out tonight.) |
| Apotelesma | result | noun | “To apotelesma ine kalo.” (The result is good.) |
| Aplos | simple | adjective | “Ine mia apli apantisi.” (It is a simple answer.) |
| Arachni | spider | noun | “Mia arachni ston toicho.” (A spider on the wall.) |
| Archaios | ancient | adjective | “Archaios naos.” (An ancient temple.) |
| Archi | beginning | noun | “Ap’tin archi mexri to telos.” (From the beginning to the end.) |
| Archipelagos | archipelago | noun | “To Aigaio ine enas archipelagos.” (The Aegean is an archipelago.) |
| Architektonas | architect | noun | “O architektonas schediase to spiti.” (The architect designed the house.) |
| Arete | virtue, excellence | noun | “I arete ine skopos tis zois.” (Virtue is the aim of life.) |
| Argos | slow | adjective | “O Giannis ine argos.” (Giannis is slow.) |
| Argá | slowly, late | adverb | “Min trexeis, perpata argá.” (Don’t run, walk slowly.) |
| Arithmos | number | noun | “Poios ine o arithmos sou?” (What is your number?) |
| Arkouda | bear | noun | “I arkouda vrisketai sto dasos.” (The bear is in the forest.) |
| Arni | lamb | noun | “To arni psinetai to Pascha.” (Lamb is roasted at Easter.) |
| Aristera | left | adverb | “Stripse aristera.” (Turn left.) |
| Aristokratia | aristocracy | noun | “I aristokratia kyvernouse tin poli.” (The aristocracy ruled the city.) |
| Aristos | excellent, best | adjective | “Aristos mathitis.” (An excellent student.) |
| Artos | bread (formal) | noun | “O artos tis Theias Koinonias.” (The bread of Holy Communion.) |
| Asfaleia | safety, insurance | noun | “Agorasa asfaleia gia to amaxi.” (I bought insurance for the car.) |
| Aspro | white | adjective | “Aspro krasi.” (White wine.) |
| Asteri | star | noun | “Ena asteri sti thalassa.” (A star over the sea.) |
| Astheneia | illness | noun | “I astheneia einai sovari.” (The illness is serious.) |
| Astronomia | astronomy | noun | “Mou aresei i astronomia.” (I like astronomy.) |
| Astynomia | police | noun | “Kalese tin astynomia!” (Call the police!) |
| Atmosfaira | atmosphere | noun | “I atmosfaira ine ilektrizousa.” (The atmosphere is electric.) |
| Atomo | person, individual | noun | “Ena atomo irthe.” (One person came.) |
| Ataraxia | tranquility | noun | “I ataraxia ine skopos tou Epikourou.” (Tranquility is the goal of Epicurus.) |
| Athina | Athens | noun | “Zo stin Athina.” (I live in Athens.) |
| Athlitis | athlete | noun | “O athlitis kerdise to chryso.” (The athlete won the gold.) |
| Athlitismos | sports | noun | “O athlitismos ine ugieinos.” (Sport is healthy.) |
| Avgi | dawn | noun | “Xypnisa stin avgi.” (I woke up at dawn.) |
| Avgo | egg | noun | “Thelo ena avgo.” (I want an egg.) |
| Avgoustos | August | noun | “O Avgoustos ine zestos.” (August is hot.) |
| Avrio | tomorrow | adverb | “Tha se do avrio.” (I will see you tomorrow.) |
| Axia | value, worth | noun | “Echei megali axia.” (It has great value.) |
| Axonas | axis, axle | noun | “I Gi peristrefetai gyro apo ton axona tis.” (The Earth turns around its axis.) |
Descriptions
Adelfi
The everyday word for a sister, from the Greek (αδελφή). It shares a root with the English word “Philadelphia,” which means “brotherly love.”
Adelfos
The standard Greek word for a brother (αδελφός). Its plural, “adelfia,” also refers to a brotherhood or fraternity.
Adikia
The opposite of “dikaiosyni” (justice). The word is common in news, politics and everyday talk about unfair treatment.
Aeras
Means both the air we breathe and a breeze or wind. It is the source of English words like “aerial” and “aerobic.”
Aerodromio
The Greek word for an airport, built from “aero” (air) and “dromos” (road). Athens International Airport is usually called “Eleftherios Venizelos.”
Aeroplano
The everyday word for an airplane, built from “aero” (air). Greeks also say “aeroskafos” in more formal language.
Aftokinito
Literally “self-moving,” from “afto” (self) and “kinito” (moving). In casual speech many Greeks shorten it to “aftokinito” or use “amaxi.”
Afto
A basic demonstrative pronoun for something near you. It is one of the first words learners pick up.
Agalma
A statue or sculpture. Ancient Greeks used the word for cult figures of gods, and it still describes monuments across modern Greece.
Agapao
The main verb for loving someone or something. It comes from the same root as “agapi” and is used for family, partners and things you adore.
Agapi
The general word for love in modern Greek. In ancient and biblical Greek it meant selfless, unconditional love, one of several Greek words for love.
Agapimenos
Describes someone or something loved or preferred. The masculine form is “agapimenos,” the feminine is “agapimeni,” and the neuter is “agapimeno.”
Agathos
An older and formal word for good or noble, rooted in ancient Greek. It survives in names like Agathi and in words like “agathon” (a good, benefit).
Aggelos
Originally meant a messenger in ancient Greek. The Bible gave it the meaning “angel,” and the word lives on in “evangelist” and in the name Angelos.
Agglia
The Greek name for England, often used for the whole United Kingdom in casual speech. The matching adjective is “Agglikos.”
Agglika
The name of the English language in Greek. It is the most common foreign language taught in Greek schools.
Agkyra
The anchor of a ship. The word is ancient and came into English through “anchor” and “anchorage.”
Agkinara
A popular spring vegetable in Greek cooking, often stewed with dill, potatoes and lemon in a dish called “agkinares a la polita.”
Agonas
Originally an ancient contest or gathering, such as athletic games. It gave English “agony” and “antagonist” and now means a match, a fight, or a struggle.
Agonia
Strong worry or suspense while waiting for something. It is the Greek source of the English word “agony.”
Agora
In ancient Greece the agora was the central public square for business and politics. Today the word means a market, and it is also the root of “agoraphobia.”
Agorazo
The standard verb for buying or shopping. It is built from “agora” (marketplace), the place where people once bought goods.
Agori
The everyday word for a boy. The matching word for a girl is “koritsi.”
Agrios
Describes things in a natural, untamed state, from animals to plants. It appears in “agriogaidouro” (wild donkey) and “agrio hortarika” (wild greens).
Agros
A cultivated field or countryside plot. It is the root of English “agriculture” and “agronomy.”
Aidoni
A small songbird famous for its song. It appears in Greek mythology, and the word is also used as a girl’s name.
Akadimia
Named after the garden where Plato taught near Athens. Today it means a school or a learned society, as in the Academy of Athens.
Akoma
A flexible little word meaning still, yet, or even. It often appears with “akoma ena” (one more).
Akouo
The basic verb for hearing or listening. It is the root of English “acoustic” and “acoustics.”
Akrivos
Used to confirm or stress precision. It also exists as an adjective meaning “expensive” (akrivos), where context tells you which is meant.
Akribis
Describes something exact or carefully measured. It is the source of the English word “accurate” in many technical borrowings.
Akropoli
Means “high city” from “akro” (top) and “poli” (city). The Acropolis of Athens, with the Parthenon, is Greece’s best-known landmark.
Akti
Means a shore or coast. Many Greek beaches are called “paralia,” but “akti” is common in place names and on maps.
Alati
Plain table salt. It is a staple of Greek cooking and also appears in the phrase “alati kai piperi” (salt and pepper).
Alepou
The Greek word for a fox, famous in Aesop’s fables. A sly person is sometimes called an “alepou.”
Alfa
The first letter of the Greek alphabet. It is also used to mean “first” or “best,” as in “alpha male.”
Alfavito
Named after the first two Greek letters, alpha and beta. English “alphabet” comes directly from this word.
Alitheia
From ancient Greek, literally “un-forgetting.” It is the standard word for truth and the name of several newspapers and books.
Alla
A very common connecting word meaning “but.” It is also the neuter plural of “allos” (other).
Allazo
Used for changing clothes, plans, money or opinions. It is the source of “allagi” (change) and “antallagi” (exchange).
Allos
Means other or different. It is the root of English “allo-” words like “allergy” and “allegory.”
Amaxi
Originally a horse-drawn cart, now a casual word for a car. It comes from ancient Greek “hamaxa” (wagon).
Ambeli
A vine or a vineyard. Greece has made wine for thousands of years and many regions are known for their “ambelia.”
Ambrosia
In Greek mythology the food of the gods that granted immortality. In modern speech it describes any delicious dish.
Amesos
Means right away or straight away. It is common in both spoken and written Greek and is easy for beginners to remember.
Amfitheatro
A round or oval open-air theater. Greece has famous ancient examples like Epidaurus, still used for performances today.
Amforeas
A two-handled clay jar used to store and carry wine, oil and grain. Archaeologists use amphorae to date shipwrecks and trade routes.
Ammos
The word for sand on a beach or in a desert. It forms parts of words like “ammoudia” (sandy shore).
Amygdalo
The nut and the tree. Almonds are key in Greek sweets such as “amygdalota,” a soft almond cookie from the Cyclades.
Anagnorisi
A term from Aristotle’s “Poetics” for the moment a character discovers a truth about identity. It is also used for general recognition of someone or something.
Ananas
The tropical fruit, borrowed from a South American language through European languages. Greeks use the same word as English speakers do.
Anarchia
Means “without a ruler.” The word comes from “an-” (without) and “archi” (rule) and gave English “anarchy” and “anarchist.”
Anastasi
Literally “standing up again.” It is central to Greek Orthodox Easter, where people greet each other with “Christos Anesti” (Christ is risen).
Anemos
The common word for a wind. It gives English the flower name “anemone,” literally “daughter of the wind.”
Anixi
The season of spring, from the verb “anoigo” (to open). It is the time of flowers and the Orthodox Easter holiday.
Anoichto
Used for open doors, shops and places. The opposite is “klisto” (closed), a pair every visitor sees on shop doors.
Antikeimeno
Means a thing or an object, and also the subject or topic of a study. It is formed from “anti” (against) and “keimai” (to lie).
Antio
A casual way to say goodbye, borrowed from Italian “addio.” Greeks more often say “ya sou” or “kalinichta” depending on the time of day.
Anthos
The word for a flower or blossom. The plural “louloudia” is used more in speech, but “anthos” appears in names and poetry.
Anthropos
The standard word for a human being. It gave English “anthropology” and “misanthrope.”
Apantisi
A reply or response to a question or letter. The verb form is “apantao” (I answer).
Apatheia
In ancient Stoic philosophy it meant freedom from disturbing emotions. Today it usually means a lack of interest or care.
Apo
One of the most common prepositions in Greek, showing origin or source. It also gives English words like “apostle” and “apology.”
Apogevma
The part of the day after noon. “Kalo apogevma” is a common greeting used from around 2 pm.
Apokries
The pre-Lent carnival season in Greece with parades and costumes. The city of Patras hosts one of the biggest celebrations.
Apopse
A handy time word for the evening ahead. It also means “this evening” in casual use.
Apotelesma
Used for the outcome of a test, match, vote or project. It is common in exam and sports news.
Aplos
Describes something plain or easy. It lies behind English words like “haplo-” and the Greek word “apla” (simply).
Arachni
The word for a spider. In Greek myth Arachne was a weaver turned into a spider by Athena, which gave the word its English family, “arachnid.”
Archaios
Describes things from the distant past, such as temples and ruins. It is the root of “archaeology” and “archaic.”
Archi
Means start, origin or rule. It appears in English “monarchy,” “archetype” and “architect.”
Archipelagos
From “archi” (chief) and “pelagos” (sea), first used for the Aegean Sea. It now means any group of islands.
Architektonas
From “archi” (chief) and “tektonas” (builder). Greek temples like the Parthenon were built by famous ancient architects such as Iktinos.
Arete
A central idea in ancient Greek thought meaning excellence of any kind. Philosophers like Plato and Aristotle wrote about it at length.
Argos
Describes someone or something that moves without speed. The adverb is “argá” (slowly or late).
Argá
Used both for moving slowly and for being late. Greeks often say “siga siga” for “slowly, slowly.”
Arithmos
The word for a number or figure. It is the root of English “arithmetic.”
Arkouda
The Greek word for a bear. Brown bears still live in the mountains of northern Greece.
Arni
The young sheep. Roast lamb on a spit is the traditional centerpiece of the Greek Easter meal.
Aristera
Means left, as in direction or side. The opposite is “dexia” (right). Politically, “aristera” also refers to the left wing.
Aristokratia
From “aristos” (best) and “kratos” (power), meaning rule by the best. It describes the noble class in Greek and European history.
Aristos
A word of top praise. It gave English “aristocrat” and appears on Greek school marks as the highest grade.
Artos
A formal and religious word for bread, mostly used in church. Everyday bread is called “psomi.”
Asfaleia
Means both safety and insurance. It is common on signs and forms and appears in “asfaleia aftokinitou” (car insurance).
Aspro
The color white. It features in names like “Aspro Pigi” and in Greek phrases for “white wine” and “white cheese.”
Asteri
The word for a star in the sky. It is the root of English “asterisk,” “astronomy” and “disaster.”
Astheneia
The general word for a sickness or disease. It literally means “lack of strength.”
Astronomia
The study of stars and planets. The Greeks made some of the earliest scientific models of the heavens.
Astynomia
The word for the police force. The emergency number in Greece is 100 for the police and 112 for general emergencies.
Atmosfaira
Used for the air around the Earth and for the mood of a place. It comes from “atmos” (vapor) and “sfaira” (sphere).
Atomo
In modern Greek it means a person or an individual. In English “atom” came from the ancient Greek word for something that cannot be cut.
Ataraxia
Calm and freedom from worry, an ideal of the Epicurean and Stoic schools of philosophy. It is still used in modern Greek for peace of mind.
Athina
The capital of Greece and also the name of the goddess Athena. The city was named in her honor in Greek myth.
Athlitis
From “athlos” (contest), the origin of “athlete” and “athletics.” Greece hosted the first modern Olympics in 1896.
Athlitismos
The general word for sport and physical exercise. It is common in school subjects and news broadcasts.
Avgi
The first light of the morning. The word appears in Greek poetry and in the name of the political party Golden Dawn (“Chrysi Avgi”).
Avgo
The Greek word for an egg. Red-dyed eggs are cracked together at Easter in a game called “tsougrisma.”
Avgoustos
Named after the Roman emperor Augustus. In Greece, August 15 is a major holiday for the Virgin Mary.
Avrio
One of the first time words learners meet. Greeks also joke about the “avrio” attitude, meaning relaxed about deadlines.
Axia
Means worth, merit or price. It also forms the adjective “axios” (worthy), seen in the church cry “Axios!”
Axonas
The word for an axis or axle. It is the source of the English “axis” and “axle.”