πιστεύω
pistévo/piˈste.vo/
The English phrase 'believe' is translated into Greek as πιστεύω (pistévo).
The verb πιστεύω is used to express the act of accepting something as true. It can also be used to express belief in the existence or reliability of a person, or belief in a concept or object.
Meaning: to accept as true (verb)
Which one should you use?
While πιστεύω is the standard verb for believing that a specific statement is true, it is also used for the sense of 'to believe in' when it is paired with the preposition σε.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express belief in someone or something, such as a person, a concept or an object, you use the preposition σε (in) after the verb, forming the constructions πιστεύω σε κάποιον or πιστεύω σε κάτι.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /piˈste.vo/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The Greek word πιστεύω is the direct root of the word 'pistis', which in Ancient Greek philosophy referred to a specific level of intellectual assent between 'opinion' and 'knowledge'.
- In Greek, the word πίστη meaning 'faith' is the noun form of πιστεύω, and it is used to describe both religious faith and the reliability of a physical object.
- While πιστεύω means 'to believe', the Greek language has a separate, very common word νομίζω that is used for 'I think' or 'I suppose'.
Examples in context
- Δεν τον πιστεύω πλέον.I don't believe him any longer.This sentence is useful for expressing a lack of belief in a person.Tatoeba #1498131 by glavkos, translation #30331 by CK
- Δε πιστεύω όσα λέει ο Τομ.I don't believe what Tom said.This sentence is useful for expressing a lack of belief in what someone says.Tatoeba #7782846 by eypros, translation #7782740 by CK
- Πιστεύω ότι με καταλαβαίνεις.I believe you understand me.This sentence is useful for expressing the belief that someone understands.Tatoeba #2631862 by Zeus, translation #8953869 by Nylez
- Πιστεύω ότι η πρότασή σας είναι αξιόπιστη.I believe that your proposal is reliable.
- Νομίζω ότι ο καιρός θα είναι καλός αύριο.I believe that the weather will be good tomorrow.
- 35 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giorgos and Anastasia are discussing a strange news story.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΑυτό είναι απίστευτο, το πιστεύω;Auto einai apistefto, to pistevo?This is unbelievable, do I believe it?
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΝαι, πιστεύω ότι είναι αλήθεια.Nai, pistevo oti einai alitheia.Yes, I believe that it is true.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΔεν το πιστεύω χωρίς αποδείξεις.Den to pistevo choris apodixeis.I don't believe it without proof.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΈχεις δικαίωμα να μην το πιστεύεις.Echeis dikaio na min to pistevis.You have the right not to believe it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “believe” translations and entries πιστεύω, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
