απολαμβάνω
apolamváno/a.po.laɱˈva.no/
To enjoy in Greek is απολαμβάνω (apolamváno).
The verb απολαμβάνω is used to express receiving pleasure or satisfaction from something. If you wish to refer to the concept of enjoyment or pleasure itself, you can use the noun form απόλαυση.
Meaning: to receive pleasure or satisfaction from something (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
When you use απολαμβάνω with a direct object, such as in the phrase απολαμβάνω την/τον/το (I enjoy the…), the object must be in the accusative case.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /a.po.laɱˈva.no/. It has 5 syllables, and the stress is on the 4th syllable: apolamváno.
When do people say it?
In Greek culture, specific phrases are used to encourage enjoyment in different contexts. To encourage someone to have a good time at a party or during entertainment, you can say Καλή διασκέδαση (have a good time). When someone is about to eat and you want to wish them a good appetite, you use Καλή όρεξη.
Did you know?
- The modern verb απολαμβάνω is a linguistic hybrid, combining the stems of two different ancient Greek verbs, ἀπολαμβάνω and ἀπολαύω, to create a single word.
- The modern form of απολαμβάνω is actually a 'learned' word, meaning it was intentionally reconstructed by scholars using ancient and Byzantine Greek forms rather than evolving naturally through common street speech.
- Using απολαμβάνω for simple activities can sound unintentionally dramatic to Greeks, as it often implies a deep, sensory indulgence rather than a casual pleasure.
Examples in context
- Καλή διασκέδαση!Enjoy!
- Απολαμβάνω τον ήλιο στην παραλία.Apolamváno ton ílio stin paralía.I enjoy the sun on the beach.
- Απολαμβάνω πολύ αυτό το βιβλίο.Apolamváno polý aftó to vivlío.I really enjoy this book.
- Απολαμβάνω το φαγητό μου.Apolamváno to fagitó mou.I enjoy my food.
Example conversation
Giorgos and Maria are sitting at a cafe.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΑπολαμβάνεις τον καφέ σου;Apolamváneis ton kafé sou;Are you enjoying your coffee?
- Μαρία MariaΝαι, τον απολαμβάνω πολύ.Ne, ton apolamváno polý.Yes, I enjoy it very much.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕίναι πολύ καλό εδώ.Íne polý kaló edó.It is very good here.
- Μαρία MariaΈχεις δίκιο, Γιώργο.Écheis díkio, Giórgo.You are right, Giorgos.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “enjoy” translations and entries απολαμβάνω, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries απολαμβάνω, CC BY-SA 4.0.
