καλύτερος
kalýteros/kaˈli.te.ɾos/
The Greek word for "best" is καλύτερος (kalýteros).
καλύτερος is the superlative form of the adjective meaning "good". It is the most straightforward way to translate "best" into Greek.
Meaning: superlative of the adjective good (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes its ending to match the gender of the noun it modifies, with καλύτερη being the feminine form, καλύτερο being the neuter form, καλύτεροι being the masculine plural form, καλύτερες being the feminine plural form and καλύτερα being the neuter plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /kaˈli.te.ɾos/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word 'καλός' (good), which forms the basis of καλύτερος, is also the root of many English words related to beauty and goodness, such as 'callipygian'.
- Because Greek uses cases, the form of καλύτερος will change not just for gender, but also for the grammatical role (like subject or object) the 'best' person plays in the sentence.
- The word καλύτερος is part of a comparative-superlative system that is built into the adjective itself, rather than using a separate word like 'more' or 'most'.
Examples in context
- Ο Τομ ήταν ο καλύτερος.Tom was the best.This sentence is useful for saying that Tom was the best using καλύτερος.Tatoeba #5591624 by Zeus, translation #2648659 by CK
- Πρόκειται να γίνω ο καλύτερος.I'm going to become the best.This sentence is useful for expressing the intention to become the best using καλύτερος.Tatoeba #4838979 by ciccione, translation #3008044 by Ricardo14
- Λένε πως είναι ο καλύτερος παίκτης του τένις.They say he is the best tennis player.This sentence is useful for describing someone as the best tennis player using καλύτερος.Tatoeba #7766897 by amoeba, translation #296746 by CK
- Αυτό το εστιατόριο έχει τον καλύτερο καφέ.This restaurant has the best coffee.
- Είσαι ο καλύτερος φίλος που έχω.You are the best friend I have.
- Αυτή ήταν η καλύτερη εμπειρία του ταξιδιού.That was the best travel experience.
- Αυτή η ταινία είναι κορυφαία.This movie is top-notch.
- Ποτέ δεν απογοητεύεται, πάντα έχει κορυφαίες ιδέες.He never disappoints, always has top-notch ideas.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nikos and Anastasia are discussing a movie they just watched.
- Νίκος NikosΉταν η καλύτερη ταινία του χρόνου!Itan i kalitteri tainia tou chronou!It was the best movie of the year!
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΣυμφωνώ, ο ηθοποιός ήταν ο καλύτερος.Symfono, o ithopoios itan o kalitteros.I agree, the actor was the best.
- Νίκος NikosΠοιο σκηνικό ήταν το καλύτερο;Poio skiniko itan to kalittero?Which scene was the best?
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΤο τέλος ήταν το καλύτερο μέρος.To telos itan to kalittero meros.The end was the best part.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry καλύτερος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
