απόφαση
apófasi/aˈpo.fa.si/feminine
The Greek word for 'decision' is απόφαση (apófasi).
απόφαση is a feminine noun meaning a choice or judgement. When you want to say 'to make a decision', Greek speakers use the phrase παίρνω μια απόφαση, which literally translates to 'to take a decision' using the verb παίρνω.
Meaning: choice or judgement (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
απόφαση is a feminine noun. The plural genitive form, used to indicate 'of decisions', is αποφάσεων. If you wish to use the verb form meaning 'I decide', use αποφασίζω.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /aˈpo.fa.si/. The stress is on the second syllable of the four-syllable word: apófasi.
Did you know?
- The root of απόφαση is φαίνω, which also gives us the English word 'phenomenon'. Both words describe things that 'appear' or become manifest to the observer.
- In Ancient Greek, απόφαση was used primarily as a legal term for a 'verdict' or 'sentence'. This formal weight still lingers in the word even when Greeks use it for simple daily choices.
Examples in context
- Η απόφαση είναι δική μου.The decision is mine.This sentence demonstrates how to use απόφαση to state ownership of a decision.Tatoeba #5496227 by Zeus, translation #3415226 by CK
- Πρέπει να πάρουμε μία απόφαση.We have to make a decision.This sentence shows the common usage of απόφαση when saying one must make a decision.Tatoeba #5341870 by Zeus, translation #2269090 by _undertoad
- Στηρίζουμε την απόφαση του Τομ.We support Tom's decision.This sentence illustrates using απόφαση to express support for someone else's choice.Tatoeba #5517453 by Zeus, translation #4502423 by CK
- Η απόφαση του δικαστηρίου ήταν τελική.The decision of the court was final.
- Πήρα την απόφαση να πάω διακοπές στο εξωτερικό.I made the decision to go on vacation abroad.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dimitris and Anastasia are deciding where to eat dinner.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΠού θέλεις να φάμε απόψε, Αναστασία;Pou thélis na fáme apópse, Anastasía?Where do you want to eat tonight, Anastasia?
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΔεν ξέρω, πάρε εσύ την απόφαση.Den xéro, páre esý tin apófasi.I don't know, you make the decision.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΑς πάμε στην πίτσα τότε.As páme stin pítsa tóte.Let's go for pizza then.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΩραία απόφαση, συμφωνώ!Oraía apófasi, symfonó!Great decision, I agree!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “decision” translations and entries απόφαση, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries απόφαση, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
