θάρρος
thárrosneuter
The English word courage can be translated into Greek as θάρρος (thárros) or κουράγιο.
Meaning: ability to do frightening things (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| θάρρος | thárros | neuter | |
| κουράγιο | kourágio | /kuˈɾa.ʝo/ | neuter |
These terms refer to the ability to do things that are frightening. κουράγιο is often used when discussing the practical or emotional act of finding or mustering up one's courage.
Which one should you use?
θάρρος is the more formal or abstract term for the quality of courage, while κουράγιο is more common in everyday speech.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both θάρρος and κουράγιο are neuter nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
thárros
When do people say it?
In casual conversation, you may hear the idiomatic expression Πάρε κουράγιο, which means 'Take courage' or 'Cheer up' and is used to encourage someone.
Did you know?
- In Greek philosophy, especially within the Aristotelian tradition, θάρρος is viewed as the golden mean between the deficiency of cowardice and the excess of rashness.
- While θάρρος is native to the language, κουράγιο entered Greek via the Venetian dialect and Italian, reflecting the historical influence of Venice on Greek trade and culture.
- In Ancient Greek, the word θάρσος was often used not just for bravery, but to describe a state of confidence or reassurance given to someone in distress.
Examples in context
- Αυτός είμαι εγώ – ο δειλός ανήμπορος να συλλέξει το κουράγιο του και να μάθει την αλήθεια.That's me – the coward unable to muster his courage and find out the truth.This sentence shows the use of κουράγιο when describing someone trying to muster up enough courage to face the truth.Tatoeba #716035 by anmaretto, translation #413334 by blay_paul
- Η ανδρεία είναι μια πολύ σημαντική αρετή στην ελληνική κουλτούρα.Courage is a highly important virtue in Greek culture.
- Πρέπει να έχεις το κουράγιο να ακολουθήσεις τα όνειρά σου.You need to have the courage to follow your dreams.
- Χρειάζεται πολύ θάρρος για αυτό.Chreiástei polý thárros gia aftó.It takes a lot of courage for this.
- Δείχνεις μεγάλο θάρρος στις δύσκολες στιγμές.Deíchneis megálo thárros stis dýskoles stigmés.You show great courage in difficult moments.
Example conversation
Anastasia is encouraging Nikos to speak in public.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΝίκο, πρέπει να βρεις το θάρρος σου.Níko, prépei na vreis to thárros sou.Nikos, you need to find your courage.
- Νίκος NikosΦοβάμαι πολύ να μιλήσω μπροστά σε όλους.Fovámai polý na milíso mprostá se ólous.I am very afraid to speak in front of everyone.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΈχεις το θάρρος, απλώς δεν το ξέρεις.Écheis to thárros, aplós den to xéreis.You have the courage, you just don't know it.
- Νίκος NikosΘα το προσπαθήσω για σένα, Αναστασία.Tha to prospathíso gia séna, Anastasía.I will try for you, Anastasia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “courage” translations and entries θάρρος, κουράγιο, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries θάρρος, κουράγιο, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
