οδηγώ
odigó/oðiˈɣo/
The English verb 'drive' is translated into Greek as οδηγώ (odigó).
οδηγώ is used when you are operating a wheeled motorized vehicle. Beyond driving, it is also the standard verb used to mean 'to lead' or 'to guide' a person or a group.
Meaning: to operate (a wheeled motorized vehicle) (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The verb οδηγώ literally means 'I lead' or 'I guide'.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is odigó.
Did you know?
- The root of οδηγώ is related to the Greek word for 'way' or 'path', οδός, which is also the root of the English word 'episode'.
- The word οδηγός 'driver' is the same word Greeks use for a 'guide' in a museum or on a tour.
- In Greek, the term for a 'driver's license' is άδεια οδήγησης, which literally translates to a 'permit of leading'.
Examples in context
- Οδηγώ ένα μαύρο αμάξι.I drive a black car.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of οδηγώ with a specific object.Tatoeba #5586396 by Zeus, translation #2325143 by CK
- Ξέρω να οδηγώ αυτοκίνητο.I know how to drive a car.This sentence is useful for expressing the ability to use οδηγώ.Tatoeba #3553056 by Zeus, translation #258393 by CK
- Έμαθα να οδηγώ, όταν ήμουν δεκαπέντε.I learned to drive when I was fifteen.This sentence is useful for describing the timing of when one learned οδηγώ.Tatoeba #5469781 by Zeus, translation #1808160 by pne
- Μπορείτε να με οδηγήσετε στο αεροδρόμιο;Can you drive me to the airport?
- Συγχαρητήρια για την άδεια οδήγησης!Congratulations on your driver's license!
- Θα κάνεις εσύ οδήγηση σήμερα;Will you be driving today?
Example conversation
Eleni and Kostas are talking about their commute to work.
- Ελένη EleniΟδηγώ στην εργασία μου κάθε μέρα.Odigó stin ergasía mou káthe méra.I drive to my work every day.
- Κώστας KostasΕγώ προτιμώ να παίρνω το λεωφορείο.Egó protimó na paírno to leoforío.I prefer to take the bus.
- Ελένη EleniΔεν σου αρέσει να οδηγώ μόνη μου;Den sou arései na odigó móni mou?Don't you like that I drive alone?
- Κώστας KostasΜου αρέσει, αλλά η κίνηση είναι τρομερή.Mou arései, allá i kínisi eínai tromerí.I do, but the traffic is terrible.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “drive” translations and entries οδηγώ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
