τέχνη
téchni/ˈte.xni/
The English phrase "art" is translated into Greek as τέχνη (téchni).
τέχνη refers to the expression of creative skill through a medium, such as painting or sculpture, to produce aesthetic objects.
What does it mean word for word?
The word τέχνη literally refers to both "art" and "skill" or "craft".
Which one should you use?
While τέχνη refers to the concept of art, the related word τεχνική refers specifically to a "technique" or "method".
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a direct object in a sentence, the word takes the accusative form την τέχνη. The genitive form used to indicate possession or relationship is της τέχνης.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈte.xni/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable: téchni.
Did you know?
- The Greek word τέχνη is the direct ancestor of the English word 'technology'.
- In some historical contexts, the term τέχνη was used to describe the 'art of rhetoric', treating the act of persuasion as a craft.
- Aristotle distinguished between τέχνη, which is a systematic skill, and 'phronesis', which is practical wisdom.
Examples in context
- Μ' αρέσει η τέχνη.I like art.This sentence is useful for expressing personal preference for the word τέχνη.Tatoeba #5593242 by Zeus, translation #2245930 by CK
- Ο Τομ αγαπάει την τέχνη.Tom loves art.This sentence shows how to express that someone loves the word τέχνη.Tatoeba #5593120 by Zeus, translation #2237364 by CK
- Αυτό το λεωφορείο πηγαίνει στο μουσείο τέχνης.Does this bus go to the art museum?This sentence shows how to use the word τέχνη in the context of a museum.Tatoeba #7785040 by eypros, translation #7784950 by CK
- Η τέχνη έχει εξαιρετική σημασία για τον πολιτισμό μας.Art has great significance for our culture.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anastasia and Nikos are walking through a gallery.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΣου αρέσει αυτή η σύγχρονη τέχνη;Sou aresei afti i synchroni techne?Do you like this modern art?
- Νίκος NikosΌχι, δεν την καταλαβαίνω καθόλου.Ochi, den tin katalavaino katholou.No, I don't understand it at all.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΕγώ πιστεύω ότι η τέχνη είναι συναίσθημα.Ego pistevo oti i techne einai synaisthima.I believe that art is emotion.
- Νίκος NikosΊσως έχεις δίκιο, Αναστασία.Isos echeis dikio, Anastasia.Maybe you are right, Anastasia.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry τέχνη, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries τέχνη, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
