ήπειρος
ípeiros/ˈipiros/feminine
The Greek word for 'continent' is ήπειρος (ípeiros).
ήπειρος is a noun used to refer to each of the main land-masses on the Earth's surface.
Meaning: each of main land-masses on earth's surface (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
ήπειρος is a feminine noun. The plural form is ήπειροι. When the word is used as the direct object of a sentence (the accusative case), it changes from ήπειρος to ήπειρα.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is ípeiros and the IPA is /ˈipiros/.
Did you know?
- In Ancient Greek, the word ἤπειρος was often used to describe an 'unbounded' or 'limitless' space. This differs from the modern geographical sense of a finite land-mass.
- In Ancient Greek, the word ήπειρος could be used as a masculine noun, but in Modern Greek it is exclusively feminine.
- In Ancient Greece, ήπειρος did not just mean a continent, but referred specifically to any 'mainland' as opposed to an island.
Examples in context
- Η Ευρώπη είναι ήπειρος.Europe is a continent.This sentence shows how to identify Europe as a ήπειρος.Tatoeba #2656264 by Zeus, translation #2635043 by CK
- η γηραιά ήπειροςThe old world/continent (Europe)This phrase is used to refer to the 'old world' or the continent of Europe using ήπειρος.
- Η Αφρική είναι ένας μεγάλος ήπειρος.Africa is a large continent.
- Αυτή η ήπειρος είναι πολύ μεγάλη.Aftí i hípiros eínai polý megáli.This continent is very large.
Example conversation
Dimitris and Maria are studying geography together.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΣε ποια ήπειρο βρίσκεται η Αίγυπτος;Se poia ipeiro vriskete i Aigyptos?On which continent is Egypt located?
- Μαρία MariaΗ Αίγυπτος βρίσκεται στην ήπειρο της Αφρικής.I Aigyptos vriskete stin ipeiro tis Afrikis.Egypt is located on the continent of Africa.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΣωστά, Μαρία. Είναι μια μεγάλη ήπειρος.Sosta, Maria. Einai mia megali ipeiros.Correct, Maria. It is a large continent.
- Μαρία MariaΝαι, ο Δημήτρης έχει δίκαιο.Nai, o Dimitris echei dikaio.Yes, Dimitris is right.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “continent” translations and entries ήπειρος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ήπειρος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
