αλλαγή
allagí/alaˈʝi/
The Greek word for change is αλλαγή (allagí).
αλλαγή is used to refer to a general change, a replacement or the process of becoming something different. For example, it can describe a change in behavior or a change made to settings.
Meaning: to become something different (verb)
Which one should you use?
While αλλαγή refers to a general change or a replacement, the word ρέστα is used specifically to refer to the money returned to you after a purchase.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
αλλαγή is a noun, and its plural form is αλλαγές. It is related to the verb αλλάζω, which means to change. If you want to describe something as being changeable or prone to change, you use the adjective μεταβλητός. The noun form is often preceded by the article, appearing as η αλλαγή.
How do you pronounce it?
allagí (/alaˈʝi/)
Did you know?
- While αλλαγή means 'change', the verb αλλάζω is also used to mean 'to get dressed' or 'to change clothes'.
- When discussing changes in a person's mood or character, Greeks might use the word μεταβολή, which implies a more profound or systemic transformation than the standard αλλαγή.
- The word αλλαγή is etymologically rooted in the Ancient Greek word ἄλλος, which means 'other'. This suggests that to change something is, at its core, to make it 'other' than what it was.
Examples in context
- Χρειάζομαι μια αλλαγή.I need a change.This sentence shows how to express a need for a change using αλλαγή.Tatoeba #5413354 by Zeus, translation #2387431 by CK
- Έκανε μια αλλαγή στις ρυθμίσεις.He made a change to the settings.This sentence demonstrates using αλλαγή when referring to adjustments made to settings.
- Η αλλαγή στη συμπεριφορά του ήταν απροσδόκητη.The change in behaviour was not expected.This sentence illustrates the use of αλλαγή when describing a shift in behavior.
- Η μεταβολή του καιρού ήταν απρόβλεπτη.The change in weather was unpredictable.
- Ας αλλάξουμε το θέμα της συζήτησης.Let's change the subject of the conversation.
- Ο καιρός αλλάζει συνεχώς εδώ.The weather is constantly changing here.
- Πρέπει να κάνω αλλαγή στην εργασία μου.I need to make a change in my job.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kyriaki and Giorgos are discussing a new job opportunity.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΘέλω μια αλλαγή στη ζωή μου.Thélo mia allagí sti zoí mou.I want a change in my life.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΤι είδους αλλαγή σκέφτεσαι, Κυριακή;Ti eídous allagí skéftese, Kyriákí?What kind of change are you thinking of, Kyriaki?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΊσως μια αλλαγή επαγγέλματος.Ísos mia allagí epanggélmatos.Maybe a change of profession.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΑυτή είναι μια μεγάλη αλλαγή, Γιώργος συμφωνεί.Aftí eínai mia megáli allagí, Giórgos symfoní.That is a big change, Giorgos agrees.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry αλλαγή, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries αλλαγή, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
