θεία και θείος
Theía kai theíos/ˈθi.a ce ˈθi.os/word by word
The Greek phrase for aunt and uncle is θεία και θείος (Theía kai theíos).
This phrase is used to refer to the siblings of one's parents and their spouses.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈθi.a ce ˈθi.os/. It has four syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word for uncle, θείος, shares a linguistic root with the word for god, θεός.
- In some Greek contexts, calling a stranger θείος or θεία can be a way to show warmth or friendliness toward a person much older than you.
- Greek has no distinct words to differentiate between a maternal aunt and a paternal aunt, unlike many other languages.
Example conversation
Giorgos and Eleni are talking about their weekend plans.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΘα πάμε στο χωριό την Κυριακή;Tha pame sto chorio tin Kyriaki?Are we going to the village on Sunday?
- Ελένη EleniΝαι, η θεία και θείος μας μας περιμένουν.Nai, i theia kai theios mas mas perimenoun.Yes, our aunt and uncle are waiting for us.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΠότε τους είδες τελευταία φορά;Pote tous eides teleutaia fora?When did you see them last time?
- Ελένη EleniΤους είδα πριν από έναν μήνα.Tous eida prin apo enan mina.I saw them a month ago.
