αρχαίος
archaíosmasculine
The Greek word for 'ancient' is αρχαίος (archaíos).
The adjective is used to describe things that existed or occurred in a time long past.
Meaning: existent or occurring in time long past (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the Greek root αρχή, which means 'beginning' or 'origin'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes its ending to agree with the noun it describes. Use αρχαία to agree with feminine or neuter nouns, and αρχαίοι to agree with masculine plural nouns. When used as a direct object for masculine nouns, use the form αρχαίους.
How do you pronounce it?
archaíos
Did you know?
- Greek distinguishes between αρχαίος, meaning 'ancient', and παλιός, meaning 'old'. While a building can be αρχαίος, an old pair of shoes is always παλιός.
- In a philosophical context, the root αρχή does not just mean 'beginning' in time, but the primary substance or first principle of the universe.
- The root αρχή is the same root found in the English word 'monarchy', as it relates to the 'beginning' or 'first' place of power.
Examples in context
- Ο Αχιλλέας ήταν ένας Έλληνας αρχαίος ήρωας.Achilles was an ancient Greek hero.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe an ancient hero using αρχαίος.Tatoeba #1187500 by ellasevia, translation #71883 by CK
- Τα αρχαία ερείπια της Αθήνας είναι συναρπαστικά.The ancient ruins of Athens are captivating.
- Η γιαγιά μου συλλέγει παλιά νομίσματα.My grandmother collects ancient coins.
- Αυτός ο αρχαίος θεός είναι πολύ ισχυρός.Aftos o archaios theos einai poly ischoros.This ancient god is very powerful.
Example conversation
Two friends are visiting a museum in Athens.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΚοίτα αυτόν τον αρχαίο λίθο!Koíta aftón ton archaío lítho!Look at this ancient stone!
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΕίναι πραγματικά εντυπωσιακός, Γιώργο.Einai pragmatiká entyposiakós, Giórgo.It is truly impressive, Giorgos.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΑναρωτιέμαι ποιος τον έφτιαξε.Anarotiémai poíos ton éftiaxe.I wonder who made it.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΚάποιος αρχαίος τεχνίτης, σίγουρα.Kápoios archaíos technítis, sígoura.Some ancient craftsman, surely.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ancient” translations and entries αρχαίος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
