μόνος
mónos/ˈmonos/
The English word 'alone' is translated into Greek as μόνος (mónos).
μόνος is used to describe being by oneself. Depending on the context, it can also mean 'only' or 'single'. If you wish to express the concept of 'loneliness', the noun μοναξιά is used.
Meaning: by oneself (adj)
Which one should you use?
While μόνος can mean 'alone' (solitary), it is also the word for 'only' or 'single' depending on the context.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, μόνος must agree in gender with the subject, so use μόνη for a female subject. The plural form of the adjective is μόνοι. The neuter plural form of the adjective is μόνα. In natural speech, the phrase μόνος του is frequently used to mean 'by himself' or 'on his own'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈmonos/ (mónos).
Did you know?
- Greek uses the same root for μόνος to create the word μοναχός meaning 'monk'.
- The Greek word for 'monopoly' begins with μόνος because it describes a 'single' seller controlling the market.
- The word μόνος has remained virtually unchanged from its Ancient Greek origins, making it a direct linguistic link to the philosophers of antiquity.
Examples in context
- Δε θα 'σαι μόνος.You won't be alone.This sentence uses μόνος to express that someone will not be alone.Tatoeba #5633597 by Zeus, translation #2208374 by CK
- Αυτός ζούσε εκεί μόνος.He was living there alone.This sentence uses μόνος to describe someone living alone.Tatoeba #3085642 by glavkos, translation #9227295 by Nylez
- Ο Τομ συνήθως τρώει μόνος του.Tom usually eats alone.This sentence uses μόνος within the colloquial phrase to indicate someone is eating on their own.Tatoeba #4366743 by glavkos, translation #1830452 by CK
- Προτιμώ να εργάζομαι μόνος.I prefer to work alone.
- Νιώθω καλά όταν είμαι μόναχος.I feel good when I am alone.
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
George and Eleni are talking about a party.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΘέλεις να έρθεις μαζί μου;Theleis na ertheis mazi mou?Do you want to come with me?
- Ελένη EleniΌχι, προτιμώ να πάω μόνος μου.Ochi, protimo na pao monos mou.No, I prefer to go alone.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΔεν θα νιώσεις μόνος εκεί;Den tha nioso monos ekei?Won't you feel alone there?
- Ελένη EleniΌχι, θα γνωρίσω και άλλους.Ochi, tha gnoriso kai allous.No, I will meet others too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry μόνος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries μόνος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
