καπετάνιος
kapetánios/ka.peˈta.ɲos/informal, masculine
The English word "captain" is translated into Greek as καπετάνιος (kapetánios). Wiktionary also lists πλοίαρχος (ploíarchos).
Meaning: the person lawfully in command of a sea-going vessel (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| καπετάνιος | kapetánios | /ka.peˈta.ɲos/ | informal, masculine |
| πλοίαρχος | ploíarchos | masculine |
The term refers to the person who is lawfully in command of a sea-going vessel.
What does it mean word for word?
The formal term πλοίαρχος is a compound consisting of πλοίο, meaning ship and άρχων, meaning leader or ruler.
Which one should you use?
πλοίαρχος is the formal and technical term for a ship's captain, whereas καπετάνιος is more colloquial.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
πλοίαρχος is the formal term used in technical contexts. καπετάνιος is an informal or colloquial choice. Additionally, Καπετάν is an informal way to say captain.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Both πλοίαρχος and καπετάνιος are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of kapetánios is /ka.peˈta.ɲos/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- Historically, the term Καπετάν was used for leaders of 'Klephts', the mountain bandits who fought against Ottoman rule, shifting the meaning from the sea to the mountains.
- The word καπετάνιος is actually a linguistic souvenir from the Venetian-ruled era of Greek history, rather than a native Greek word.
- In Greek, the word καπετάνιος can be used metaphorically to describe a person who is a natural leader or a 'boss' in a social group, even if they have never seen the ocean.
Examples in context
- Ο καπετάνιος μας καλωσόρισε.The captain welcomed us.This sentence shows the use of καπετάνιος to describe someone welcoming people.Tatoeba #7325392 by amoeba, translation #1265009 by Eldad
- Ο καπετάνιος του πλοίου αποφάσισε να αλλάξει πορεία.The captain of the ship decided to change course.This sentence demonstrates how καπετάνιος is used when referring to the captain of a ship.Tatoeba #9392042 by lefterav, translation #3533853 by adamtrousers
- Ο καπετάνιος είναι νάρκισσος.The captain is a narcissist.This sentence uses καπετάνιος to describe a person's character.Tatoeba #10165209 by abi, translation #10154947 by shekitten
- Ο Καπετάνιος προσέγγισε το πλήθος και τους έδωσε οδηγίες.The captain approached the crowd and gave them instructions.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Nikos are talking about a sea voyage.
- Μαρία MariaΕίναι ο καπετάνιος σε αυτή τη διαδρομή;Einai o kapetanios se afti ti diadromi;Is he the captain on this route?
- Νίκος NikosΝαι, ο καπετάνιος είναι πολύ έμπειρος.Ne, o kapetanios einai poly empireos.Yes, the captain is very experienced.
- Μαρία MariaΘα μας οδηγήσει με ασφάλεια;Tha mas odigisei me asfaleia;Will he guide us safely?
- Νίκος NikosΦυσικά, εμπιστεύσου τον καπετάνιο.Fysika, empistefsou ton kapetanio.Of course, trust the captain.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “captain” translations and entries καπετάνιος, πλοίαρχος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries καπετάνιος, πλοίαρχος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
