σκοτάδι
skotádi/skoˈta.ði/neuter
The English word darkness is translated into Greek as σκοτάδι (skotádi). Wiktionary also lists έρεβος (érevos) and ζόφος (zófos).
Meaning: state of being dark (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| σκοτάδι | skotádi | /skoˈta.ði/ | neuter |
| έρεβος | érevos | neuter | |
| ζόφος | zófos | masculine |
The term refers to the state of being dark.
Which one should you use?
σκοτάδι is the standard, everyday word for darkness used in most contexts. έρεβος refers to a profound, primordial or poetic darkness, often associated with the mythological personification of darkness. ζόφος is a highly formal or archaic term for darkness, often used in poetry to describe a murky or shadowy gloom.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used with the preposition σε (in/to) to mean 'in the darkness', the word σκοτάδι takes the form στο σκοτάδι.
How do you pronounce it?
The word σκοτάδι is pronounced /skoˈta.ði/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The ancient root of σκοτάδι, which is σκότος, is also the source of the Greek word for 'blindness', linking the absence of light directly to the absence of sight.
- The everyday word σκοτάδι actually began as a diminutive form, meaning 'a little darkness', before it became the standard noun for the state of being dark.
- In Greek mythology, Έρεβος was not just a word for darkness but the god of the deep darkness that fills the space between the earth and the underworld.
Examples in context
- Τα μάτια μας θέλουν χρόνο για να προσαρμοστούν στο σκοτάδι.Our eyes need time to adjust to the darkness.This sentence shows how the eyes adjust to the darkness using σκοτάδι.Tatoeba #3213703 by glavkos, translation #9665971 by Nylez
- Παρακαλώ σβήστε το φως, χρειαζόμαστε σκοτάδι.Please turn off the lights, we need darkness.
- Το βράδυ μου αρέσει να περπατάω στους δρόμους με το σκοτάρι γύρω μου.I enjoy walking on the streets at night with darkness around me.
- Έκλεισες το φως. Ήθελα μια πιο ωραία ατμόσφαιρα, με λίγο σκοτάρι.Did you turn off the lights? I wanted a nicer atmosphere with some darkness.
- Φοβάμαι το απόλυτο σκοτάδι.Fovamai to apolyto skotadi.I am afraid of the absolute darkness.
Example conversation
Nikos and Kyriaki are walking home at night.
- Νίκος NikosΔεν βλέπω τίποτα μέσα σε αυτό το σκοτάδι.Den vlépo típotas mésa se aftó to skotádi.I can't see anything in this darkness.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΆναψε τον φακό του κινητού σου, Νίκο.Anapse ton phakó tou kinitoú sou, Níko.Turn on your phone flashlight, Nikos.
- Νίκος NikosΔεν το βρίσκω στην τσέπη μου!Den to vrísko stin tsépi mou!I can't find it in my pocket!
- Κυριακή KyriakiΠερίμενε, θα σε βοηθήσω εγώ, Κυριακή.Perímené, tha se voithíso egó, Kyriáki.Wait, I will help you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “darkness” translations and entries σκοτάδι, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries σκοτάδι, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
