ευγενικός
evgenikós[ɛvʝɛniˈkɔs]
The English word "gentle" is translated into Greek as ευγενικός (evgenikós).
ευγενικός is used to describe someone who is soft, mild or kind rather than hard or severe. A common way to describe a person with a gentle temperament or a gentleman is the phrase ευγενικός άνθρωπος.
Meaning: soft and mild rather than hard or severe (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word ευγενικός is etymologically derived from the components ευ (well) and γενής (born), meaning "well-born" or "noble". This carries the connotation of being gentlemanly or gentle.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, the form changes to match the gender and number of the noun it describes: ευγενική is the feminine form, ευγενικό is the neuter form, ευγενικοί is the masculine plural form and ευγενικές is the feminine plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
evgenikós
Did you know?
- The prefix ευ in ευγενικός is the same one found in words like 'eulogy', meaning a good or well-spoken tribute.
- In Greek, describing someone as ευγενικός can carry a deeper connotation of innate refinement rather than just being a polite person who has learned good manners.
- In ancient Greece, being 'gentle' was not just a personality trait but a marker of high birth and aristocratic status.
Examples in context
- Ο κύριος Γιάννης είναι πολύ ευγενικόςMr. Giannis is very gentle.
- Η Κατερίνα είναι πολύ ήπια και ευγενικήKaterina is very gentle and kind.
- Ο Δημήτρης εμφανίζει μια ήρεμη και ευγενική στάσηDimitris shows a calm and gentle attitude.
- Είναι ένας ευγενικός άνθρωπος.Einai enas evgenikos anthropos.He is a gentle man.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ευγενικός, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
