άγχος
ánchos/ˈaŋ.xos/
The English word 'anxiety' is translated into Greek as άγχος (ánchos).
άγχος refers to a state of uneasiness, nervousness, apprehension and obsession. While English distinguishes between 'stress' (external pressure) and 'anxiety' (internal feeling), the Greek word άγχος is commonly used to cover both concepts in everyday speech. A common way to express this is by saying έχω άγχος, which literally means 'I have anxiety'.
Meaning: state of uneasiness, nervousness, apprehension and obsession (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
άγχος is a neuter noun. Its genitive singular form is άγχους.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as [ˈan.xos]. It has 2 syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The English word 'angst', borrowed from German or Norwegian, is a linguistic cousin to άγχος because both derive from the same Indo-European root describing a 'tight' or 'choking' feeling.
- The root of άγχος comes from an ancient verb meaning 'to squeeze' or 'to compress'.
- In a Greek pharmacy, if you ask for help with άγχος, the pharmacist may suggest herbal teas rather than just psychological advice.
Examples in context
- Νιώθω πολύ άγχος για τις εξετάσεις.Niótho polí áγχos gia tis exetaseís.I feel a lot of anxiety about the exams.
- Το άγχος της δουλειάς είναι δύσκολο.To áγχos tis douleías eínai dýskolo.Work anxiety is difficult.
Example conversation
Nikos and Anastasia are talking about a big presentation at work.
- Νίκος NikosΈχω πολύ άγχος για την παρουσίαση αύριο.Ékho polí áγχos gia tin parousíasi ávrio.I have a lot of anxiety about the presentation tomorrow.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΜην ανησυχείς, θα τα καταφέρεις, Νίκο.Min anisychís, tha ta kataféreis, Níko.Don't worry, you will do it, Nikos.
- Νίκος NikosΕλπίζω να είσαι μαζί μου.Elpízo na eísai mazí mou.I hope you are with me.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΦυσικά, θα σε στηρίζω.Fysiká, tha se stírízo.Of course, I will support you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry άγχος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries άγχος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
