Which one should you use?
While ελέγχω is the verb used for the action of checking, the noun form έλεγχος refers to the check, inspection or control itself. In the context of the game of chess, the term for a check (when the king is threatened) is expressed using σαχ or ρουά.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form ελέγχω serves as the first-person singular present indicative, meaning "I check". To say "they check", use the third-person plural present indicative form ελέγχουν. If you want to say "I checked" in the past, use the aorist form έλεγξα.
How do you pronounce it?
eléncho (/eˈleŋ.xo/). It has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
When do people say it?
In Greece, if you wish to ask for the check at a restaurant, you can use the gesture of placing your hand slightly above the table with your fingers together and your palm facing downward.
Did you know?
- In Ancient Greek, the root of ελέγχω was used in the 'Socratic method' to describe the act of cross-examining someone to reveal a contradiction in their logic.
- While ελέγχω means 'to check' or 'verify', the related noun έλεγχος is also used in Greek to describe a police identity check or a roadside inspection.
- The Ancient Greek root of ελέγχω originally meant 'to accuse' or 'to find fault'.
Examples in context
- Ελέγχω τη λίστα για να βεβαιωθώ.Elencho ti lista gia na vevaiotho.I am checking the list to be sure.
- Ελέγχω αν οι αριθμοί είναι σωστοί.Elencho an oi arithmoi einai sostoi.I am checking if the numbers are correct.
Example conversation
Dimitris and Anastasia are preparing for a trip.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΑναστασία, ελέγχω τα διαβατήριά μας τώρα.Anastasía, eléncho ta diavatíriá mas tóra.Anastasia, I am checking our passports now.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΕίναι όλα μέσα στην τσάντα;Eínai óla mésa stin tsánta?Are they all inside the bag?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΝαι, τα ελέγχω και τα βρίσκω.Nai, ta eléncho kai ta vrísko.Yes, I check them and I find them.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΤέλεια, πάμε να φύγουμε.Téleia, páme na fýgoume.Great, let's leave.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ελέγχω, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ελέγχω, CC BY-SA 4.0.
