ένας
énas/ˈenas/
The English phrase 'a' is translated into Greek as ένας (énas).
In Greek, ένας functions as the indefinite article 'a' or 'an' before singular countable nouns. It also serves as the number 'one' and can be used to emphasize a numerical quantity, such as saying 'a single one'.
Which one should you use?
While ένας is used for masculine nouns, it can also mean 'one' in addition to its function as the indefinite article 'a'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The indefinite article must agree in gender with the noun it precedes: use ένας for masculine, μία for feminine and ένα for neuter nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈenas/.
Did you know?
- The modern Greek word ένας actually began as the accusative case of the word for 'one' in Ancient Greek, rather than the nominative case.
- In Greek, the indefinite article ένας is often omitted entirely in speech and writing where an English speaker would feel a sentence is incomplete without 'a'.
Examples in context
- Δεν έμεινε ούτε ένας.There wasn't a single one left.This sentence shows how ένας can be used to emphasize the quantity of 'a single one'.Tatoeba #2907169 by glavkos, translation #9202882 by Nylez
- Αυτός είν' ένας πύργος.This is a tower.This sentence demonstrates the use of ένας as the indefinite article in 'a tower'.Tatoeba #5525074 by Zeus, translation #5525034 by carlosalberto
- Αυτός είναι ένας στιλός.This is a pen.This sentence shows the use of ένας as the indefinite article in 'a pen'.Tatoeba #5345405 by Zeus, translation #55842 by CK
- 101 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kostas and Kyriaki are looking at a picture of a dog.
- Κώστας KostasΚοίτα, είναι ένας πολύ ωραίος σκύλος!Koíta, eínai ένας polý óraios skýlos!Look, it is a very nice dog!
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝαι, είναι όντως πολύ χαριτωμένος.Nai, eínai óntos polý charitómenos.Yes, it is indeed very cute.
- Κώστας KostasΘέλεις να πάρουμε έναν τέτοιο σκύλο;Théleis na pároume énan tétio skýlo?Do you want us to get a dog like that?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΠρέπει να το συζητήσουμε περισσότερο.Prépei na to syzhitísoume perissótero.We need to discuss it more.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ένας, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ένας, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
