ε
e/ˈe/
In Greek, ε is a filler word used to express hesitation or to pause while thinking.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as /e/.
Did you know?
- While ε is a filler word, when spoken with a rising intonation at the end of a sentence, it transforms into a question tag similar to 'right?' or 'don't you think?'
- The modern filler ε is actually a shortened version of the Ancient Greek interjection αἴ, which was used to get someone's attention.
- Modern Greek speakers often use ε as a 'bridge' to keep the floor during a conversation, signaling to the listener that they haven't finished their thought despite the pause.
Examples in context
- Αυτό είναι το e-mail.This is the e-mail.This sentence demonstrates the use of ε in the context of the word e-mail.Tatoeba #1780394 by glavkos, translation #9367333 by Nylez
- Ε… δεν ξέρω τι να πω.E… den xero ti na po.E… I don't know what to say.
- Θέλεις ε… το κόκκινο ή το μπλε;Theleis e… to kokkino i to ble;Do you want e… the red or the blue one?
Example conversation
Dimitris and Kyriaki are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΤι θέλεις για φαγητό σήμερα;Ti thelis gia fagito simera?What do you want for food today?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕ, ίσως μια πίτσα;E, isos mia pitsa?Uh, maybe a pizza?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΚαλή ιδέα, μου αρέσει!Kali idea, mou aresei!Good idea, I like it!
- Κυριακή KyriakiΤέλεια, την παραγγέλνω τώρα.Telia, tin parangelo tora.Perfect, I'm ordering it now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ε, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ε, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
