κατάθλιψη
katáthlipsi
The Greek word for depression is κατάθλιψη (katáthlipsi).
κατάθλιψη is used in a psychological context to refer to a period of unhappiness.
Meaning: psychology: period of unhappiness (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the verb θλίβω, which means to press or to push down.
How do you pronounce it?
katáthlipsi
Did you know?
- Greek has a specific term καημός for a deep, burning sorrow that differs from κατάθλιψη by implying a longing or an unfulfilled desire.
- The root word θλίβω is used in the Greek Orthodox tradition to describe the 'pressing' or spiritual crushing one feels during periods of intense grief or repentance.
- The root verb θλίβω is also found in the word for 'crushing' or 'squeezing' things, like olives for oil, which creates a vivid mental image of the weight of depression.
Examples in context
- Ταλαιπωρείσαι από χειμωνιάτικη κατάθλιψη;Are you suffering from winter depression?This sentence is useful for learning how to ask if someone is suffering from winter depression using κατάθλιψη.Tatoeba #3000673 by mululatv, translation #9525776 by Nylez
- Ο ασθενής πάσχει από κατάθλιψη.The patient is suffering from depression.
- Η κατάθλιψη είναι μια ψυχική διαταραχή.Depression is a mental disorder.
- Οι προοπτικές θεραπείας για την κατάθλιψη είναι πολλές.There are many treatment options for depression.
- Η κατάθλιψη είναι μια δύσκολη κατάσταση.I katáthlipsi eínai mia dýskoli katástasi.Depression is a difficult situation.
- Πρέπει να αντιμετωπίσεις την κατάθλιψη σου.Prépei na antimepoiseís tin katáthlipsi sou.You must face your depression.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about mental health.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΝιώθω ότι έχω κατάθλιψη τελευταία.Niotho oti echo katathlipsi teleutaia.I feel like I have depression lately.
- Μαρία MariaΛυπάμαι πολύ που το ακούω, Δημήτρη.Lypamai poly pou to akouo, Dimitri.I am very sorry to hear that, Dimitris.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΔεν έχω διάθεση για τίποτα.Den echo diathesi gia tipota.I don't have the mood for anything.
- Μαρία MariaΘέλεις να σε βοηθήσω να βρεις ειδικό;Thelis na se voithiso na vreis eidiko?Do you want me to help you find a specialist?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry κατάθλιψη, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
