αδελφός
adelfós/a.ðelˈfos/masculine
The Greek word for brother is αδελφός (adelfós). It is also spelled αδερφός (aderfós).
Meaning: male sibling (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| αδελφός | adelfós | /a.ðelˈfos/ | masculine |
| αδερφός | aderfós | masculine, alternative form |
The term refers to a male sibling. While αδελφός is the standard noun, the related verb συναδελφώνομαι means to treat someone as a brother.
Which one should you use?
αδελφός is the standard spelling, whereas αδερφός is an alternative spelling used frequently in everyday speech.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The genitive singular form, meaning 'of the brother', is του αδελφού. The accusative plural form, used when the word is a direct object, is τους αδελφούς.
How do you pronounce it?
adelfós (3 syllables, stress on the 3rd syllable)
When do people say it?
The word Φίλος means friend but is also used to address someone affectionately, similar to the English 'bro'.
Did you know?
- The word αδελφός literally translates to 'of the same womb'.
- In certain Greek religious contexts, the term αδελφός is used to address fellow members of a congregation, even if they are not related.
- While αδελφός is the formal written standard, the version αδερφός is so common in speech that it reflects a phonetic shift where the 'l' sound becomes an 'r'.
Examples in context
- Δεν ήταν ο αδερφός σου.He wasn't your brother.This sentence is useful for practicing the form αδερφός in a negative statement.Tatoeba #5517317 by Zeus, translation #3774706 by Eldad
- Πώς είναι ο αδερφός σου;How is your brother?This sentence is useful for asking a question using the form αδερφός.Tatoeba #5422760 by Zeus, translation #5294559 by CK
- Είμαι ο αδερφός του Θωμά.I'm Tom's brother.This sentence is useful for identifying a relationship using the form αδερφός.Tatoeba #4357301 by Tensai, translation #2235780 by CK
- Ο αδελφός μου είναι πολύ ψηλός.My brother is very tall.
- Πώς είσαι, φίλε?How are you, bro?
- 53 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Eleni is asking Kostas about his family.
- Ελένη EleniΈχεις κάποιον αδελφό;Écheis kápion adelfó?Do you have a brother?
- Κώστας KostasΝαι, ο αδελφός μου είναι γιατρός.Nai, o adelfós mou einai giatrós.Yes, my brother is a doctor.
- Ελένη EleniΕίναι μεγαλύτερος από σένα;Einai megalýteros apó séna?Is he older than you?
- Κώστας KostasΌχι, είναι μικρότερος.Óchi, einai mikróteros.No, he is younger.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “brother” translations and entries αδελφός, αδερφός, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries αδελφός, αδερφός, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
