θεία
theía/ˈθi.a/
The Greek word for aunty is θεία (theía).
θεία is used to refer to the sister of one's father or mother, or the wife of one's uncle.
How does it change in a sentence?
θεία is a feminine singular noun. The plural form of this word is θείες.
How do you pronounce it?
The stress is on the first of two syllables.
Did you know?
- In Greece, it is common to address older women you do not know as θεία as a sign of respect and warmth. This turns the familial term into a social title for any woman of a certain age.
- The word θεία is a homonym for the Greek word meaning 'divine'. Depending on the context, the same word can refer to a relative or something related to a deity.
- Unlike English, where 'aunt' can be a shortened version of 'auntie', θεία is the standard term for both the formal 'aunt' and the affectionate 'aunty' without needing a separate diminutive form.
Examples in context
- Θεία, θα ήθελα να σας ευχαριστήσω για το καταπληκτικό φαγητό!Aunty, I would like to thank you for the amazing food!
- Πού είναι η θεία σου;Pou einai i theia sou;Where is your aunty?
- Η θεία μου έφτιαξε πολύ γλυκό.I theia mou eftiaxe poly glyko.My aunty made a lot of sweets.
Example conversation
Nikos and Eleni are talking about their family.
- Νίκος NikosΗ θεία μου έρχεται σήμερα.I theia mou erchetai simera.My aunt is coming today.
- Ελένη EleniΠοια θεία, η Μαρία;Poia theia, i Maria?Which aunt, Maria?
- Νίκος NikosΝαι, η θεία Μαρία.Nai, i theia Maria.Yes, aunt Maria.
- Ελένη EleniΧαίρομαι πολύ για εσάς.Cheiromai poly gia esas.I am very happy for you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry θεία, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
