εγκέφαλος
egkéfalos/eɲˈɟe.fa.los/masculine
The Greek word for brain is εγκέφαλος (egkéfalos).
The term εγκέφαλος refers specifically to the physical organ known as the brain.
Meaning: organ (noun)
Which one should you use?
While εγκέφαλος is the standard term for the anatomical organ, the word μυαλό means mind but can be used to refer to the brain in a more casual manner.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of εγκέφαλος is εγκέφαλοι. To indicate possession or a relationship, such as saying "of the brain", use the genitive singular form εγκεφάλου.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as egkéfalos. The stress is on the second of the four syllables.
Did you know?
- Greek has a distinct word μυαλός that refers to the 'marrow' or 'pith', which is why the casual word for 'mind' is shared with the word for the center of a bone.
- The word κέφαλος, found inside εγκέφαλος, is the direct ancestor of the English word 'cephalopod', used to describe octopuses and squids.
- The word εγκέφαλος shares its roots with the English word 'encephalitis', a medical term for brain inflammation.
Examples in context
- Ο εγκέφαλος και το μυαλό είναι δύο διαφορετικά πράγματα.The brain and the mind are two different things.This sentence is useful for distinguishing between the physical εγκέφαλος and the mind.Tatoeba #11578092 by carlosalberto, translation #11578079 by carlosalberto
- Ο εγκέφαλός μας είναι το κέντρο του νευρικού συστήματος μας.Our brain is the center of our nervous system.
- Πρέπει να χρησιμοποιήσουμε τον νου μας και όχι μόνο το κεφάλι μας.We should use our brain and not just our head.
- Ο εγκέφαλος ελέγχει όλες τις λειτουργίες του σώματος.O egkéfalos eléchi óles tis leitourgíes tou sómatos.The brain controls all the functions of the body.
- Ο εγκέφαλος είναι πολύ περίπλοκο όργανο.O egkéfalos íne polí períploko órgano.The brain is a very complex organ.
Example conversation
Nikos and Maria are discussing a biology lesson.
- Νίκος NikosΠού βρίσκεται ο εγκέφαλος στο σώμα;Poú vrísketai o egkéfalos sto sóma?Where is the brain located in the body?
- Μαρία MariaΕίναι μέσα στο κρανίο, Νίκο.Eínai mésa sto kranío, Níko.It is inside the skull, Nikos.
- Νίκος NikosΕίναι πολύ περίπλοκο όργανο.Eínai polý períploko órgano.It is a very complex organ.
- Μαρία MariaΝαι, Μαρία, συμφωνώ απόλυτα.Nai, María, symfonó apólyta.Yes, Maria, I completely agree.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “brain” translations and entries εγκέφαλος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries εγκέφαλος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
