Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| δώρο | dóro | /ˈðo.ɾo/ | neuter |
| δωρεά | doreá | feminine | |
| χάρισμα | chárisma | /ˈxa.ɾi.zma/ | neuter |
In Greek, the word used depends on whether you are talking about a physical present, a charitable donation or an innate talent. Δώρο is the most common and generic way to say gift, referring to a physical object like a birthday present. Δωρεά is used for donations or when something is provided free of charge, especially in a professional or service-related context. Χάρισμα refers to an abstract gift, such as a natural talent.
Which one should you use?
Use δώρο when referring to a physical object given to someone. Use δωρεά when the gift is a donation or is provided for free in a charitable or commercial sense. Use χάρισμα for an innate talent or an abstract quality.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun δώρο is neuter, while δωρεά is feminine and χάρισμα is neuter. If you want to use a verb, δωρίζω is the standard transitive verb for giving a physical gift, whereas χαρίζω is a more formal verb used for bestowing a gift or granting a favor.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of δώρο is /ˈðo.ɾo/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
When do people say it?
When talking about a physical gift, you can use the phrase Δώρο συμβολικής αξίας to emphasize that the gift is of symbolic value. To add a touch of affection, especially when referring to a small or cute gift, you can use the diminutive form Δωράκι.
Did you know?
- The verb χαρίζω can be used not just for gifts, but also to 'grant' a pardon or 'give' a smile.
- The word χάρισμα shares the same root as the English word 'charisma'.
- While δώρο is a general gift, χάρισμα specifically refers to a 'divine gift' or grace in a theological context, particularly within the Orthodox Church.
Examples in context
- Πήρες το δώρο μου;Did you get my gift?This sentence shows how to ask if someone received a δώρο.Tatoeba #3231920 by Zeus, translation #2891049 by CK
- Σου πήρα ένα δώρο.I bought you a gift.This sentence is useful for stating that you bought a δώρο for someone.Tatoeba #5418682 by Zeus, translation #3383938 by petersmr
- Κάποιος μου 'στειλε ένα δώρο.Someone sent me a gift.This sentence is used to describe someone sending a δώρο.Tatoeba #5466028 by Zeus, translation #5465171 by CK
- Αυτό είναι ένα δώρο για σέναThis is a gift for you
- Ευχαριστώ για το δώροThank you for the gift
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Eleni is giving George a birthday present.
- Ελένη EleniΧαρούμενος γενέθλια! Δες αυτό το δώρο.Charoumenos genethlia! Des afto to doro.Happy birthday! Look at this gift.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕυχαριστώ πολύ, Ελένη! Τι είναι;Efcharisto poly, Eleni! Ti einai?Thank you so much, Eleni! What is it?
- Ελένη EleniΕίναι ένα μικρό δώρο για σένα.Einai ena mikro doro gia sena.It is a small gift for you.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕίναι υπέροχο, σε ευχαριστώ!Einai yperochο, se efcharisto!It is wonderful, thank you!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gift” translations and entries δώρο, δωρεά, χάρισμα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.