γενναίος
gennaíos[ʝeˈneos]
The English word "brave" is translated into Greek as γενναίος (gennaíos). Wiktionary also lists θαρραλέος (tharraléos).
Meaning: strong in the face of fear (adj)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| γενναίος | gennaíos | [ʝeˈneos] (narrow) |
| θαρραλέος | tharraléos | /θa.raˈle.os/ |
Both Greek terms are used to describe someone who is strong in the face of fear.
Which one should you use?
γενναίος is the more common, everyday word for "brave". In contrast, θαρραλέος is a more formal or literary term for "brave" or "valiant" and is used less frequently in casual conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word γενναίος changes based on the gender of the person you are describing: use γενναία for a feminine subject and γενναίο for a neuter subject.
How do you pronounce it?
gennaíos
Did you know?
- The word γενναίος shares a root with 'generosity'. In Ancient Greek, it originally described someone of high birth or noble lineage.
- While both words mean 'brave', using θαρραλέος to describe a modern person in a coffee shop might make you sound like you are reciting a classical play.
- Greek has several words for 'courage' that describe different states, such as the inner strength needed to endure pain versus the boldness to attack.
Examples in context
- Δεν είμαι τόσο γενναίος.I'm not so brave.This sentence shows how to use γενναίος in a negative context.Tatoeba #2585171 by Zeus, translation #2549311 by CK
- Είναι δυνατός, γενναίος και, προπαντός, ευγενικός.He is strong, brave and, above all, kind.This sentence demonstrates how to use γενναίος when listing multiple qualities.Tatoeba #2467859 by Zeus, translation #295302 by CM
- Είσαι πολύ γενναίος.You are very brave.This sentence shows how to use γενναίος to provide praise.Tatoeba #2948970 by glavkos, translation #16474 by CK
- Οι στρατιώτες επέδειξαν γενναιότητα και προστατέψαν τον λαό τους.The soldiers showed bravery and protected their people.
- Ο θρασύς κατάδικος έκανε μια τολμηρή απόπειρα δραπετεύσεως.The daring convict made a brave escape attempt.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kostas and Maria are talking about a firefighter.
- Κώστας KostasΕίδα τον πυραγκωστή στη φωτιά.Eida ton pyragosti sti fotia.I saw the firefighter in the fire.
- Μαρία MariaΉταν πραγματικά γενναίος που μπήκε μέσα.Itan pragmatika gennaios pou mpike mesa.He was really brave to go inside.
- Κώστας KostasΝαι, έσωσε το μικρό παιδί.Nai, esose to mikro paidi.Yes, he saved the little child.
- Μαρία MariaΤέτοιοι άνθρωποι μας εμπνέουν.Tetoioi anthropoi mas empneoun.Such people inspire us.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “brave” translations and entries γενναίος, θαρραλέος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries γενναίος, θαρραλέος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
