κακό
kakó/kaˈko/
The Greek word for evil is κακό (kakó).
κακό is an adjective used to describe something that is morally corrupt. Depending on the context, it can also be used to mean 'bad' (low quality/not good).
Meaning: morally corrupt (adj)
Which one should you use?
The word 'κακό' is used for both 'bad' (low quality/not good) and 'evil' (morally corrupt), depending on the context.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The term κακό can function as an adjective or as a noun meaning 'moral badness' or 'wickedness'.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /kaˈko/ (kakó).
Did you know?
- The word κακό is the root of the English word 'cacophony', which means a harsh mixture of sounds. In this case, 'cacophony' literally translates to 'bad sound'.
- The phrase το κακό μάτι refers to the 'evil eye'. To ward off this curse, Greeks often use a blue bead or an eye-shaped charm called a mati.
- If you want to say someone is 'very evil', you might say they are πολύ κακός, but this can also colloquially mean someone is just 'very naughty' or 'mischievous' depending on the tone.
Examples in context
- Οφείλουμε να διακρίνουμε το καλό από το κακό.We must distinguish between good and evil.This sentence demonstrates how to use κακό when distinguishing between good and evil.Tatoeba #2197898 by glavkos, translation #9307496 by Nylez
- Ο πράκτορας αποκάλυψε τις σκοτεινές πρακτικές της κακής οργάνωσης.The agent revealed the evil practices of the wicked organization.
- Είναι ένα κακό σχέδιο.Einai ena kako schedio.It is an evil plan.
- Δεν θέλω να γίνω κακός άνθρωπος.Den thelo na gino kakos anthropos.I do not want to become an evil person.
Example conversation
Nikos and Kyriaki are discussing a villain in a movie.
- Νίκος NikosΟ κακός δράκος είναι τρομακτικός.O kakos drakos einai tromatikos.The evil dragon is scary.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝαι, είναι πολύ κακός.Nai, einai poly kakos.Yes, he is very evil.
- Νίκος NikosΑλλά η ηρωίδα θα τον νικήσει.Alla i iroida tha ton niki-sei.But the heroine will defeat him.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕλπίζω κι εγώ!Elpizo ki ego!I hope so too!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry κακό, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
