Δεκέμβριος
Dekémvrios/ðeˈceɱ.vɾi.os/masculine
December in Greek is Δεκέμβριος (Dekémvrios). It is also spelled Δεκέμβρης (Dekémvris).
Meaning: twelfth month of the Gregorian calendar (name)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Δεκέμβριος | Dekémvrios | /ðeˈceɱ.vɾi.os/ | masculine |
| Δεκέμβρης | Dekémvris | /ðeˈceɱ.vɾis/ | masculine, alternative form |
The word refers to the twelfth month of the Gregorian calendar. In Greek, months are masculine nouns and are capitalized when used as a proper noun.
Which one should you use?
Δεκέμβριος is the standard form, while Δεκέμβρης is a common, slightly more colloquial shortening.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the month, it is common to use the definite article ο before it, as in ο Δεκέμβριος. To indicate possession or 'of December', the word changes to the genitive form του Δεκεμβρίου.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ðeˈceɱ.vɾi.os/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- Despite being the twelfth month, the name Δεκέμβριος is rooted in a word meaning 'tenth', because it was originally the tenth month in the older Roman calendar.
- In Greece, the atmosphere of Δεκέμβριος is heavily defined by the tradition of χριστουγεννιάτικα, which are specific Christmas carols sung by groups of people.
- In spoken Greek, the μβ cluster in Δεκέμβριος is often simplified to a β sound, making the word sound like Δεκέβρης.
Examples in context
- Ο Δεκέμβριος έχει μεγάλες νύχτες και μικρές μέρες.December has long nights and short days.This sentence illustrates how to describe the characteristics of the month using Δεκέμβριος.Tatoeba #11169068 by carlosalberto, translation #11169067 by carlosalberto
- Ο Δεκέμβριος είναι ο αγαπημένος μήνας του εορτασμού.December is the favorite month of celebration.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their holiday plans.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΠότε είναι τα γενέθλιά σου, Ελένη;Póte íne ta genéthliá sou, Eléni;When is your birthday, Eleni?
- Ελένη EleniΕίναι τον Δεκέμβριο.Íne ton Dekémvrio.It is in December.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΤότε θα γιορτάσουμε μαζί!Tóte tha yortásoume mazí!Then we will celebrate together!
- Ελένη EleniΝαι, ο Δεκέμβριος είναι ο αγαπημένος μου μήνας.Ne, o Dekémvrios íne o agapiménos mou mínas.Yes, December is my favorite month.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “December” translations and entries Δεκέμβριος, Δεκέμβρης, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Δεκέμβρης, Δεκέμβριος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
