How to Say "Celebrate" in Greek

γιορτάζω

giortázo/ʝoɾˈta.zo/

To celebrate in Greek is γιορτάζω (giortázo).

The verb γιορτάζω is used to describe engaging in joyful activity in appreciation of an event. This includes celebrating personal milestones like a birthday, as well as observing a religious or public holiday or feast day.

Meaning: to engage in joyful activity in appreciation of an event (verb)

Which one should you use?

While γιορτάζω is the standard verb, the colloquial term Γλεντώ is also used to express the idea of celebrating.

How does it change in a sentence?

The first-person singular present indicative form, meaning "I celebrate", is γιορτάζω. If you wish to use the noun for "celebration", the word is γιορτή.

How do you pronounce it?

The pronunciation of γιορτάζω is /ʝoɾˈta.zo/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.

Did you know?

In some Greek traditions, the act of celebrating involves breaking plates, though this is now more common in professional dance shows than private homes.
In Greece, people often celebrate their Ονομαστήρα or name day rather than their birthday, honoring the saint they were named after.
The verb γιορτάζω is intimately linked to the concept of a 'feast', as it stems from the Ancient Greek word ἑορτή which meant a religious festival.

Examples in context

Η χώρα μας γιορτάζει την Εθνική Ημέρα της Ανεξαρτησίας.
Our country celebrates National Independence Day.
Σήμερα γιορτάζουμε την έναρξη της νέας περιόδου εργασιών μας.
Today, we celebrate the commencement of our new work cycle.
Πάμε να γλεντήσουμε για τη νίκη της ομάδας μας!
Let's celebrate for our team's victory!
Οι φίλοι μου γλεντούν για τον ερχομό του Πάσχα.
My friends are celebrating the arrival of Easter.

Example conversation

George and Eleni are talking about an upcoming promotion.

Γιώργος Giorgos

Πήρα τη προαγωγή, Ελένη!
Pira ti proagogi, Eleni!
I got the promotion, Eleni!
Ελένη Eleni

Συγχαρητήρια! Πώς θα το γιορτάζω;
Syncharitiria! Pos tha to yortazo?
Congratulations! How will we celebrate it?
Γιώργος Giorgos

Ας πάμε για δείπνο απόψε.
As pame gia deipno apopse.
Let's go for dinner tonight.
Ελένη Eleni

Είναι μια υπέροχη ιδέα, Γιώργο!
Einai mia yperochi idea, Giorgo!
That is a wonderful idea, George!

Sources

Wiktionary, “celebrate” translations and entries γιορτάζω, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
Word origins: Wiktionary entries γιορτάζω, CC BY-SA 4.0.

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How to Say “Celebrate” in Greek