ξάδερφος
xáderfosmasculine
The Greek word for cousin is ξάδερφος (xáderfos).
ξάδερφος is used to refer to a child of a person's parent's brother or sister.
Meaning: child of a person’s parent’s brother or sister (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form is ξάδερφος. To refer to a female cousin, use the feminine form ξάδερφη. If you need to express possession, such as 'of the cousin', use the genitive singular form ξάδερφου.
How do you pronounce it?
xáderfos
Did you know?
- The word αδελφός inside ξάδερφος is a cognate of the English word 'adelphia', found in terms like 'Philadelphia' meaning 'city of brotherly love'.
- The word ξάδερφος comes from the Ancient Greek prefix ἐξ-, meaning 'from' or 'outside'. It literally describes a sibling who is 'outside' the immediate nuclear family.
- While ξάδερφος is the standard term, some Greek families use the word αδελφός ('brother') or αδελφή ('sister') for very close cousins to show a deeper emotional bond.
Examples in context
- Ο ξάδελφος μουMy cousin
- Η ξάδελφη σουYour cousin
Example conversation
Eleni and Kostas are looking at family photos.
- Ελένη EleniΠοιος είναι αυτός ο άντρας στη φωτογραφία;Poíos eínai aftós o ántras sti fotografía?Who is this man in the photo?
- Κώστας KostasΑυτός είναι ο ξάδερφος μου, ο Νίκος.Aftós eínai o xáderfos mou, o Níkos.This is my cousin, Nikos.
- Ελένη EleniΜοιάζετε πολύ μεταξύ σας!Moiazeté polý metaxý sas!You look very much alike!
- Κώστας KostasΝαι, όλοι μας μοιάζουμε.Nai, óloi mas moiaZoume.Yes, we all look alike.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cousin” translations and entries ξάδερφος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ξάδερφος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
