θεία
theía/ˈθi.a/feminine
The English word "aunt" is translated into Greek as θεία (theía).
The word θεία is used to refer to a parent's sister or a sister-in-law.
Meaning: a parent's sister or sister-in-law (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions of Greece, particularly in the south, aunts are sometimes addressed using the informal term τία. In Crete, it is common to address an aunt as κόρη, which literally means "girl".
How does it change in a sentence?
The word θεία changes based on its role in a sentence. The plural form is οι θείες. When the word is the direct object of a verb, it is in the accusative case and remains τη θεία. To indicate possession or to say "of the aunt", the genitive case της θείας is used.
How do you pronounce it?
theía is pronounced /ˈθi.a/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
When do people say it?
A common way to address an aunt affectionately is in a greeting such as "Αγαπητή θεία, πώς είστε. ", which means "Beloved aunt, how are you?"
Did you know?
- In Greece, it is common to call any older woman θεία as a mark of respect, even if she is a complete stranger. This transforms the word from a kinship term into a polite social honorific.
- In Greek, the word θεία is a homonym for the word meaning 'divine' or 'goddess-like'.
- The word θεία is the feminine counterpart to θείος, which means 'uncle'. Both words derive from the same ancient root denoting a divine connection.
Examples in context
- Μοιάζει στη θεία της.She looks like her aunt.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use θεία when describing a resemblance.Tatoeba #2405280 by mululatv, translation #1173368 by etoile
- Έμενε με τη θεία του.He boarded with his aunt.This sentence shows how to use θεία when describing someone living with an aunt.Tatoeba #7762716 by eypros, translation #289430 by CM
- Η θεία μου φαίνεται νέα.My aunt looks young.This sentence demonstrates the use of θεία when making an observation about an aunt's appearance.Tatoeba #2405252 by mululatv, translation #251192 by CK
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Eleni is showing a photograph to Dimitris.
- Ελένη EleniΑυτή είναι η θεία μου, η Μαρία.Aftí eínai i theía mou, i María.This is my aunt, Maria.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΕίναι από την πλευρά της μητέρας σου;Eínai apó tin plevrá tis mitéras sou?Is she from your mother's side?
- Ελένη EleniΌχι, είναι η αδελφή του πατέρα μου.Óchi, eínai i adelfí tou patéra mou.No, she is my father's sister.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΜοιάζεις πολύ στη θεία σου!Miázis polý sti theía sou!You look a lot like your aunt!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “aunt” translations and entries θεία, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
