ημέρα
iméra/iˈme.ɾa/feminine
The Greek word for day is ημέρα (iméra). It is also spelled μέρα (méra). Wiktionary also lists εικοσιτετράωρο (eikositetráoro).
Meaning: period of 24 hours (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ημέρα | iméra | /iˈme.ɾa/ | feminine |
| μέρα | méra | /ˈmera/ | feminine, alternative form |
| εικοσιτετράωρο | eikositetráoro | /i.ko.si.teˈtɾa.o.ɾo/ | neuter |
The words are used to refer to a period of 24 hours.
Which one should you use?
ημέρα is the standard form, while μέρα is an alternative spelling. εικοσιτετράωρο is a neuter noun that specifically refers to a twenty-four-hour period.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word ημέρα is grammatically feminine. Its genitive singular form is της ημέρας (of the day), and its plural form is οι ημέρες (the days). Although μέρα is an alternative spelling of ημέρα, it is considered masculine in Greek grammar.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is iméra. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /iˈme.ɾa/.
When do people say it?
The word μέρα is used in the common Greek greeting καλημέρα, which means good morning.
Did you know?
- The English word 'morrow' is a distant linguistic relative of the Greek ημέρα, both stemming from the same ancient root.
- Greek describes a 'day of mourning' or a 'terrible day' as μαύρη μέρα, meaning 'black day', reflecting a cultural link between the color black and misfortune.
- In Ancient Greek, the word ἦμαρ was used for the day as a period of light, while ημέρα eventually evolved to represent the full 24-hour cycle.
Examples in context
- Κάνω ψώνια όλη μέρα.I've been shopping all day.This sentence is useful for showing how to express an activity happening throughout the entire μέρα.Tatoeba #2855824 by Zeus, translation #2359232 by CK
- Κάθε μέρα κόβει ξύλα.He chops wood every day.This sentence is useful for showing the frequency of an action using μέρα.Tatoeba #3450543 by Zeus, translation #2719854 by Amastan
- Είχα μιά δύσκολη μέρα.I've had a tough day.This sentence is useful for describing the quality of a μέρα.Tatoeba #3003817 by mululatv, translation #2952909 by CK
- Πώς ήταν η ημέρα σας;How was your day?
- Καλή μέρα!Have a good day!
- 163 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dimitris and Eleni are discussing their schedules.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΠοια ημέρα σε βολεύει περισσότερο;Poia iméra se volévi perissótero?Which day works best for you?
- Ελένη EleniΗ Παρασκευή είναι η καλύτερη ημέρα.I Paraskeví eínai i kalýteri iméra.Friday is the best day.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΤέλεια, ας το κάνουμε τότε.Téleia, as to kánoume tóte.Great, let's do it then.
- Ελένη EleniΣυμφωνώ, θα είναι μια ωραία ημέρα!Symfonó, tha eínai mia oraía iméra!I agree, it will be a nice day!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “day” translations and entries ημέρα, μέρα, εικοσιτετράωρο, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ημέρα, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
