σώμα
sóma/ˈsoma/neuter
The English word "body" is translated into Greek as σώμα (sóma). If unsure, use σώμα. Wiktionary also lists κορμί (kormí).
Meaning: physical structure of a human or animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| σώμα | sóma | /ˈsoma/ | neuter |
| κορμί | kormí | neuter |
The term σώμα refers to the physical structure of a human or animal. For the specific phrase "human body", you can use ανθρώπινο σώμα. To speak about "body language", the Greek expression is γλώσσα του σώματος, which literally means "the language of the body".
Which one should you use?
While σώμα refers to the body as a whole, κορμί specifically refers to the torso or the trunk of the body.
How does it change in a sentence?
σώμα is a neuter noun. Its singular genitive form, used to show possession or relationship, is σώματος (for example, in γλώσσα του σώματος). The plural form is σώματα.
How do you pronounce it?
sóma
Did you know?
- In Greek, σώμα can refer to a 'corps' or a specialized group of people, such as the 'fire brigade' or a military unit.
- The English word 'somatic' relates to the body and shares a direct linguistic ancestor with the Greek 'σώμα'.
- When talking about a 'body of water' like a lake or a sea, Greek speakers often use the word 'υδάτινο σώμα', which literally translates to 'water body'.
Examples in context
- Η γλώσσα του σώματός του τον πρόδωσε.His body language gave him away.This sentence shows how to use the genitive form of σώμα in the phrase "body language".Tatoeba #5532053 by Zeus, translation #5519737 by mailohilohi
- Ο ιός εισήλθε στο σώμα από τη μύτη.The virus entered the body through the nose.This sentence demonstrates using σώμα to describe something entering the physical structure.Tatoeba #11517516 by carlosalberto, translation #11517493 by carlosalberto
- Η ψυχή είναι διαφορετική από το σώμα.The soul is different from the body.This sentence illustrates a comparison between the soul and the σώμα.Tatoeba #11570289 by carlosalberto, translation #11570268 by carlosalberto
- Το σώμα μου πονάει.My body hurts.
- Έχει ωραίο κορμί.He/she has a nice body.
- Το κορμί σου είναι υπέροχο.Your body is beautiful.
- Ο γιατρός εξέτασε το ανθρώπινο σώμα.The doctor examined the human body.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Eleni and Nikos are talking about health and exercise at the gym.
- Ελένη EleniΠρέπει να φροντίζεις το σώμα σου, Νίκο.Prépei na frontízis to sóma sou, Níko.You need to take care of your body, Nikos.
- Νίκος NikosΈχεις δίκιο, νιώθω πολύ κουρασμένος τελευταία.Écheis díkio, niótho polý kourasménos teleftaía.You're right, I've been feeling very tired lately.
- Ελένη EleniΗ άσκηση βοηθάει όλο το σώμα.I áskisi voitháei ólo to sóma.Exercise helps the whole body.
- Νίκος NikosΘα ξεκινήσω να γυμνάζομαι πιο συχνά.Tha xekiníso na gymnázomai pio sychná.I will start exercising more often.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “body” translations and entries σώμα, κορμί, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries σώμα, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
