τελειώνω
teleióno/teˈʎo.no/
To say 'end' as a verb in Greek, you can use τελειώνω (teleióno). Wiktionary also lists λήγω (lígo).
Meaning: intransitive: be finished, be terminated (verb)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| τελειώνω | teleióno | /teˈʎo.no/ /te.liˈo.no/ |
| λήγω | lígo | /ˈli.ɣo/ |
The term τελειώνω is used to express that something is finished or terminated. While it can be used intransitively to mean 'to be finished', it is frequently used transitively to mean 'to finish (something)', such as completing a task or a meal.
Which one should you use?
τελειώνω is the most common way to say something is finishing or being completed in everyday speech. In contrast, λήγω is a more formal or literary verb used to describe something coming to an end, such as a period of time or a state of being.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of τελειώνω is /teˈʎo.no/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- In modern Greek, using τελειώνω can sometimes carry a darker connotation. Depending on the context, it can be used as a euphemism for 'finishing someone off' or killing them.
- While λήγω is used for the end of a period of time, you will often see its derivative λήξη on Greek passports and IDs to indicate the 'expiry date'.
- The Ancient Greek root of τελειώνω is also found in the English word 'teleology', which is the study of purpose or design in nature.
Examples in context
- Το τραγούδι ολοκληρώθηκε με ένα υπέροχο τέλος.The song ended with a beautiful finale.
- Οι εργασίες του συνεδρίου ολοκληρώθηκαν με επιτυχία.The conference proceedings came to a successful end.
- Το μάθημα προχώρησε έως το προκαθορισμένο πέρας.The lesson continued until the pre-determined end.
- Τέλος! Δεν αντέχω άλλο!That's it! I can't take it anymore!
- Ρε παιδιά, έφτασε το τέλος της βδομάδας!Hey guys, the end of the week has arrived!
- Τελειώσαμε τη δουλειά που είχαμε.We finished the work we had.
- Ο αγώνας τελείωσε με θρίαμβο για την ομάδα μας.The game ended with a triumph for our team.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “end” translations and entries τελειώνω, λήγω, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
