κλαίω
klaío/ˈkleo/
To cry in Greek is κλαίω (klaío).
The verb κλαίω is used to describe the act of shedding tears.
Meaning: intransitive: to shed tears (verb)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form κλαίω is the first-person singular present indicative, which translates to 'I cry'.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is klaío and the IPA is /ˈkleo/.
Did you know?
- The modern verb κλαίω shares a deep ancestral root with the English word 'clamor', which originally referred to a loud, shrill cry or shout.
- Despite its meaning, κλαίω is not used for 'crying out' in pain or anger. For a vocal shout or scream, Greeks use different verbs like ουρλίζω.
- In ancient Greek tragedies, the act of κλαίω was often stylized through a specific vocal cadence known as 'kommos', a lyrical lament shared between a hero and the chorus.
Examples in context
- Κάθε φορά που το βλέπω κλαίω.Every time I see this play, I always cry.This sentence shows how to use κλαίω to express a reaction to seeing a play.Tatoeba #7818602 by eypros, translation #7818545 by CK
- Κλαίω κάθε μέρα.I cry every day.This sentence uses κλαίω to state a daily occurrence.Tatoeba #5638445 by Zeus, translation #2768921 by Hybrid
- Κλαίω κάθε φορά που μελετώ ελληνικά.I cry every time I study Greek.This sentence uses κλαίω to describe a reaction to studying Greek.Tatoeba #11374237 by carlosalberto, translation #11374180 by carlosalberto
- Η καταστροφή του σπιτιού μου με έκανε να κλάψωThe destruction of my house made me cry
- Όταν άκουσα τα νέα, έκλαψα για ώρεςWhen I heard the news, I cried for hours
- Ο Χρήστος κλαίει πολύ εύκολα, ανεξάρτητα από τον λόγοChris cries very easily, regardless of the reason
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dimitris and Maria are watching a sad movie.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΓιατί κλαίω με αυτή την ταινία;Giati klaio me afti tin tainia?Why am I crying at this movie?
- Μαρία MariaΕίναι πολύ συγκινητική, Δημήτρη.Einai poly synkinitiki, Dimitri.It is very touching, Dimitris.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΝιώθω ότι κλαίω συνέχεια σήμερα.Niotho oti klaio synechea simera.I feel like I'm crying constantly today.
- Μαρία MariaΜην ανησυχείς, Μαρία είναι εδώ.Min anisychis, Maria einai edo.Don't worry, Maria is here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cry” translations and entries κλαίω, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries κλαίω, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
