τόξο
tóxo/ˈto.kso/
The English word bow can be translated into Greek as τόξο (tóxo).
Meaning: to bend oneself as a gesture of respect or deference (verb)
Which one should you use?
Depending on your intended meaning, you must choose a different word: use τόξο for the weapon, υπόκλιση for the physical gesture of bending forward at the waist as a sign of respect and πρώρα or πλώρη for the front part of a boat or ship.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈto.kso/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The Ancient Greek word for the archer's bow, τόξον, is the root of the modern English word 'toxin'. This stems from the historical use of poisoned arrows by certain groups in antiquity.
- The word τόξο also describes a 'rainbow' in Greek, which is ιριό τόξο. The word literally translates to 'Iris' bow', named after the goddess of the rainbow.
- In Ancient Greek, the word τόξο described not just the weapon, but also the curved shape of a crescent moon. The word is intrinsically linked to the concept of a curved or bent object.
Examples in context
- Έχω τόξο αλλά όχι βέλη.I have a bow but no arrows.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of τόξο in the context of archery.Tatoeba #11581976 by carlosalberto, translation #11581904 by carlosalberto
- Υποκλίνομαι με ευγνωμοσύνη για την ευκαιρία.I bow with gratitude for the opportunity.
- Δεν πρέπει να κάνουμε υποταγή στη δυσκολία.We should not bow to difficulty.
Example conversation
Maria and Nikos are visiting a traditional ceremony.
- Μαρία MariaΝίκο, πρέπει να κάνουμε ένα τόξο τώρα.Níko, prépei na kánoume éna tóxo tóra.Nikos, we have to bow now.
- Νίκος NikosΓιατί πρέπει να κάνουμε τόξο;Giatí prépei na kánoume tóxo?Why do we have to bow?
- Μαρία MariaΕίναι το έθιμο σε αυτή την εκδήλωση.Eínai to éthimo se aftí tin ekdílosi.It is the custom at this event.
- Νίκος NikosΕντάξει, θα το κάνω.Entáxei, tha to káno.Okay, I will do it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry τόξο, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries τόξο, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
