ανάθεμα
anáthema/aˈnaθema/
The Greek word for damn is ανάθεμα (anáthema).
ανάθεμα is used as an exclamation to express contempt.
Meaning: non-vulgar expression of contempt etc. (intj)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While used as an exclamation, the word itself has a formal, ecclesiastical origin compared to modern slang.
Did you know?
- The word ανάθεμα originally referred to a 'votive offering' left at a temple. Over time, the meaning shifted from a gift offered to a god to a person cursed or 'offered up' to divine wrath.
- The Greek term for 'damn' carries a heavy ecclesiastical weight because it is the same word used for an 'anathema' or formal excommunication in the Orthodox Church.
Examples in context
- ανάθεμα τοDamn itThis sentence is useful for learning how to say damn it using ανάθεμα.
Example conversation
Anastasia and George are stuck in heavy traffic.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΑνάθεμα, δεν κινείται το αυτοκίνητο!Anathema, den kinéite to aftokínito!Damn, the car isn't moving!
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕίναι η ώρα της rush hour.Eínai i óra tis rush hour.It's rush hour.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΘα αργήσουμε σίγουρα στη συνάντηση.Tha argísoume sígoura sti sinántisi.We will definitely be late for the meeting.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΜην αγχώνεσαι, θα καταλάβουν.Min agchónesai, tha katalávoun.Don't stress, they will understand.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ανάθεμα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ανάθεμα, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
