και
preconsonantal/ce/
The English word 'and' is translated into Greek as και (preconsonantal). Wiktionary also lists κι (prevocalic) and ϗ (ligature).
Meaning: used to connect two similar words, phrases, et cetera (conj)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| και | preconsonantal | /ce/ |
| κι | prevocalic | /c‿/ |
| ϗ | ligature |
The word is a conjunction used to connect two similar words, phrases, et cetera.
Which one should you use?
The form κι is a shortened version used specifically in certain phonetic environments. The symbol ϗ is a typographic ligature found in older Greek texts to represent the combination of και.
How does it change in a sentence?
To avoid a hiatus, the form κι is used instead of και when the following word begins with a vowel.
How do you pronounce it?
/ce/
Did you know?
- The Greek word και is a linguistic relative of the English word 'and' through a very long chain of Indo-European connections, though they look nothing alike.
- Greek allows for the repetition of και before every single item in a list for poetic or dramatic effect, which is avoided in standard English.
- The word και can be used for emphasis to mean 'even' or 'also', changing the logic of a sentence beyond simple addition.
Examples in context
- Και τι θα κάνουμε;And what are we going to do?This sentence shows how to use και to start a question.Tatoeba #2869491 by Zeus, translation #1711 by Swift
- Έχω γάτα και σκύλο.I have a cat and a dog.This sentence demonstrates using και to connect two nouns.Tatoeba #1562533 by glavkos, translation #28971 by CK
- Έλα, κοίτα και γέλα!Come, watch and laugh!This sentence shows how to use και to connect two verbs.Tatoeba #8239728 by glavkos, translation #9198413 by Nylez
- Ήρθαν η Μαρία και ο Γιάννης για το γεύμα.Maria and Yiannis came for lunch.
- 822 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kyriaki and Nikos are discussing what to buy at the market.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΧρειαζόμαστε φρούτα και λαχανικά.Chreiazomaste frouta kai lachanika.We need fruits and vegetables.
- Νίκος NikosΘέλεις να πάρουμε και γάλα;Thelis na paroume kai gala?Do you want to get milk too?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝαι, και ψωμί επίσης.Nai, kai psomi episis.Yes, and bread as well.
- Νίκος NikosΈγινε, ας πάμε τώρα.Egine, as pame tora.Alright, let's go now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “and” translations and entries και, κι, ϗ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
