γίγαντας
gígantas/ˈʝi.ɣan.das/masculine
The Greek word for 'giant' (mythical human) is γίγαντας (gígantas).
The term refers to a mythical human.
Meaning: mythical human (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The form γίγαντας can function as the masculine singular or as the genitive singular, meaning 'of the giant'. If the giant is the direct object of a verb, use the accusative form γίγαντα. To refer to multiple giants, use the plural form γίγαντες.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈʝi.ɣan.das/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In Greek mythology, the giants were not just large humans but were often depicted as having serpentine tails instead of legs.
- The word γίγαντας is inherited from the Ancient Greek accusative form γίγαντᾰ, which eventually replaced the original nominative form γίγᾱς in later Greek.
- The word γίγαντας is often used in modern Greek sports commentary to describe a player with an overwhelming physical presence, shifting the word from myth to metaphor.
Examples in context
- Εκείνος είναι ένας γίγας! Υπερβολικά ψηλός και εντυπωσιακός!He is a giant! Extremely tall and impressive!
- Εκείνος ο γίγαντας ζούσε στο βουνό.Ekeinos o gigantas zouse sto vouno.That giant lived on the mountain.
Example conversation
Kostas and Eleni are discussing a myth.
- Κώστας KostasΚόιτα αυτόν τον γίγαντα στον πίνακα!Koita afton ton giganta ston pinaka!Look at that giant in the painting!
- Ελένη EleniΕίναι πραγματικά τεράστιος, Κώστα.Einai pragmatika terastios, Kosta.He is truly huge, Kostas.
- Κώστας KostasΠού μένει αυτός ο γίγαντας;Pou menei aftos o gigantas?Where does this giant live?
- Ελένη EleniΜάλλον ζει σε ένα μεγάλο βουνό.Mallon zei se ena megalo vouno.He probably lives on a big mountain.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “giant” translations and entries γίγαντας, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries γίγαντας, CC BY-SA 4.0.
