ιδού
idou
In Greek, the English phrase 'behold' is translated as ιδού (idou).
Meaning: to see, to look at (verb)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form ιδού is formal and carries an archaic or biblical tone, much like the English word 'behold'.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an indeclinable particle, ιδού does not change its form to account for gender, number or case.
How do you pronounce it?
idou
Did you know?
- The word ιδού is closely related to the Greek verb είδω, which means 'to see'. In ancient times, this root formed the basis for the 'idea', as an 'idea' was originally the mental image one 'sees' in the mind.
- In modern Greek, you will rarely hear ιδού in casual conversation. Instead, people use κοίτα or δες, as ιδού is now almost exclusively reserved for religious texts, formal speeches and high literature.
- In the Greek New Testament, ιδού is used over 100 times to signal a turning point in a story. It serves as a literary 'alarm clock' to tell the reader that something crucially important is about to happen.
Examples in context
- Ιδού το μεγαλοπρεπές ανάκτορο.Behold the magnificent palace.
- Ιδού οι πανέμορφοι κήποι.Behold the beautiful gardens.
- δες εδώ αυτό το νέο ρούχο που αγόρασα.Look here at this new dress I bought.
- ιδού, ορίστεBehold, here it is
- Ιδού το δώρο σου!Idou to doro sou!Behold your gift!
- Ιδού οι φίλοι μας.Idou oi filoi mas.Look, there are our friends.
Example conversation
Anastasia shows Nikos a beautiful painting she made.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΝίκο, ιδού ο πίνακάς μου!Niko, idou o pinakas mou!Nikos, behold my painting!
- Νίκος NikosΕίναι πραγματικά υπέροχος, Αναστασία.Einai pragmatika yperochos, Anastasia.It is truly wonderful, Anastasia.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΣου αρέσουν τα χρώματα;Sou aresei ta chromata;Do you like the colors?
- Νίκος NikosΝαι, είναι πολύ έντονα.Nai, einai poly entona.Yes, they are very vivid.
