αγοράζω
agorázo/a.ɣoˈɾa.zo/
The Greek verb for 'buy' is αγοράζω (agorázo).
αγοράζω is used to describe the act of obtaining something with money. It is the most common and standard way to express this action in Greek.
Meaning: to obtain something with money (verb)
Which one should you use?
While αγοράζω is the standard term for buying, the related noun αγορά can mean either a 'purchase' or a 'market'. In more formal contexts, such as business or professional procurement, the verb προμηθεύομαι may be used instead to convey the sense of procuring or acquiring something.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb αγοράζω changes based on the subject in the present indicative: αγοράζω means 'I buy', αγοράζεις means 'you buy' and αγοράζει means 'he/she/it buys'.
How do you pronounce it?
agorázo (a-ɣo-ˈɾa-zo). The stress is on the third of four syllables.
Did you know?
- While αγοράζω means 'to buy', Greeks often use the verb παίρνω, which literally means 'to take', when shopping for everyday items.
- Ancient Greeks did not just use αγοράζω for buying goods, but also for 'buying' or winning the favor of a person through persuasion.
- The verb αγοράζω is rooted in the Ancient Greek word for a gathering or assembly, reflecting how people once met in a central place to trade.
Examples in context
- Αγοράζω έπιπλα από τα ΙΚΕΑ.I buy furniture from IKEA.This sentence uses αγοράζω to demonstrate a simple purchase of furniture.Tatoeba #3845165 by Zeus, translation #3841209 by Jesse
- Έχω αγοράσει μια καινούργια τσάντα.I have bought a new bag.
- Προμηθεύτηκα τα εισιτήρια για τη συναυλία.I bought the tickets for the concert.
- Πήγα στο κατάστημα και πήρα ένα καινούργιο βιβλίο.I went to the store and bought a new book.
Example conversation
Kyriaki and Nikos are at a supermarket.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝίκο, αγοράζω γάλα και αυγά.Niko, agorazo gala kai avga.Nikos, I am buying milk and eggs.
- Νίκος NikosΘέλουμε και ψωμί, Κυριακή.Theloume kai psomi, Kyriaki.We need bread too, Kyriaki.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕντάξει, αγοράζω και μία μπαγκέτα.Entaxei, agorazo kai mia bagketa.Okay, I'll buy a baguette as well.
- Νίκος NikosΣε ευχαριστώ πολύ.Se efcharisto poly.Thank you very much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “buy” translations and entries αγοράζω, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries αγοράζω, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
