καταπληκτικός
katapliktikós
The English word 'amazing' can be translated into Greek as καταπληκτικός (katapliktikós).
The adjective is used to describe something that possesses uniquely wonderful qualities.
Meaning: possessing uniquely wonderful qualities (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the verb καταπλήσσω (to strike with awe/astonish) and the suffix -τικός (pertaining to), literally meaning 'pertaining to striking with awe'.
Which one should you use?
While καταπληκτικός implies a sense of awe or being struck by something, εκπληκτικός is a very common synonym used for general 'amazingness' or 'wonderfulness'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the noun it modifies. Use the feminine form καταπληκτική when describing a feminine noun like ιδέα (idea). The adjective takes the neuter form καταπληκτικό when modifying a neuter noun, such as παιδί (child). The masculine plural form καταπληκτικούς is used when describing a group of men or a mixed-gender group of people.
How do you pronounce it?
katapliktikós
Did you know?
- While καταπληκτικός is positive today, its root verb καταπλήσσω can also describe being paralyzed by fear or shock.
- Depending on the context, καταπληκτικός can be used sarcastically to mean 'appalling' or 'terrible', similar to how an English speaker might say 'That is just amazing' when something goes wrong.
- Using καταπληκτικός to describe a view or a sunset can make your speech sound more formal or literary than using more common, casual adjectives.
Examples in context
- Η εκπληκτική θέα του ηλιοβασιλέματοςThe amazing view of the sunset.
- Το θαυμάσιο έργο τέχνης με εντυπωσίασεThe amazing piece of art impressed me.
- Η συναυλία ήταν φοβερήThe concert was amazing.
- Το φαγητό σε αυτό το εστιατόριο είναι τρομερό!The food at this restaurant is amazing!
- Είναι ένας καταπληκτικός μουσικός.Einai enas kataplektikos mousikos.He is an amazing musician.
- Ο κόσμος είναι καταπληκτικός.O kosmos einai kataplektikos.The world is amazing.
Example conversation
Kostas and Eleni are visiting a museum.
- Κώστας KostasΚοίτα αυτόν τον πίνακα, είναι καταπληκτικός!Koita afton ton pinaka, einai katapliktikos!Look at this painting, it is amazing!
- Ελένη EleniΈχεις δίκιο, τα χρώματα είναι υπέροχα.Echeis dikio, ta chromata einai yperocha.You are right, the colors are wonderful.
- Κώστας KostasΠοτέ δεν έχω δει κάτι τέτοιο.Pote den echo dei kati tetoio.I have never seen anything like this.
- Ελένη EleniΕίναι όντως μια μοναδική εμπειρία.Einai ontos mia monadiki empeiria.It really is a unique experience.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry καταπληκτικός, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
