έκλειψη
ékleipsi/ˈek.li.psi/feminine
The Greek word for eclipse is έκλειψη (ékleipsi).
The term έκλειψη refers to the astronomical phenomenon of a planetary object passing between others.
Meaning: passage of a planetary object between others (noun)
Which one should you use?
If you want to specify the type of eclipse, you can combine the noun with an adjective. For a lunar eclipse, use σεληνιακή έκλειψη and for a solar eclipse, use ηλιακή έκλειψη.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun έκλειψη is feminine. Its genitive singular form, used to say "of the eclipse", is της έκλειψης.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈek.li.psi/. It has three syllables and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In Greek, the word έκλειψη is also used metaphorically to describe a decline in power or a 'fade' in someone's fame.
- The core of the word comes from the verb εκλείπω, which means 'to leave out' or 'to fail'.
- If you are talking about a person 'vanishing' from a scene, you are using the same ancient logic as describing a solar 'eclipse'.
Examples in context
- Είδες τη χθεσινή έκλειψη;Did you see yesterday's eclipse?This sentence is useful for asking if someone saw the έκλειψη from the previous day.Tatoeba #7768061 by eypros, translation #7767806 by sharris123
- Πραγματοποιείται σεληνιακή έκλειψη.There is a lunar eclipse.This sentence is useful for stating that a έκλειψη is occurring.Tatoeba #12638760 by carlosalberto, translation #11049472 by carlosalberto
- Η ηλιακή έκλειψη είναι ένα από τα πιο συναρπαστικά αστρονομικά φαινόμενα.A solar eclipse is one of the most fascinating astronomical phenomena.
Example conversation
Nikos and Kyriaki are talking about an upcoming astronomical event.
- Νίκος NikosΚυριακή, ξέρεις πότε είναι η επόμενη έκλειψη;Kyriaki, xereis pote einai i epomeni ekleipsi?Kyriaki, do you know when the next eclipse is?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝίκο, νομίζω ότι είναι τον επόμενο μήνα.Niko, nomizo oti einai ton epomeno mina.Nikos, I think it is next month.
- Νίκος NikosΠρέπει να αγοράσουμε ειδικά γυαλιά για να τη δούμε.Prepei na agorasoume eidika gyalia gia na ti doume.We should buy special glasses to see it.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΈχεις δίκιο, είναι επικίνδυνο να κοιτάμε τον ήλιο.Echeis dikio, einai epikinydyno na koitame ton ilio.You are right, it is dangerous to look at the sun.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “eclipse” translations and entries έκλειψη, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries έκλειψη, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
