σκοπός
skopósmasculine
The English word 'goal' is translated into Greek as σκοπός (skopós). Wiktionary also lists επιδίωξη (epidíoxi).
Meaning: result one is attempting to achieve (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| σκοπός | skopós | masculine | |
| επιδίωξη | epidíoxi | /e.piˈði.o.ksi/ | feminine |
The term refers to a result that one is attempting to achieve.
Which one should you use?
σκοπός is used for an abstract aim, purpose or objective. In contrast, επιδίωξη refers to the act of pursuing or striving toward a goal rather than the goal itself. στόχος is a very common synonym often used when referring to a specific target or a concrete objective.
How do you pronounce it?
skopós
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use σκοπός to mean a goal in a football/soccer match. However, in a sports context, you should use γκολ instead.
Did you know?
- In Ancient Greek, σκοπός could also refer to a lookout or a watchtower, from which we get the idea of 'looking' toward a purpose.
- English words like 'telescope' and 'microscope' derive from the same root as σκοπός, which means to look or examine.
- The word σκοπός can be used in a phrase to mean 'on purpose', reflecting the idea that an action had a specific intention.
Examples in context
- Ο στόχος μου είναι να γίνω διευθυντής.My goal is to become a manager.
- Η εταιρεία έθεσε τον στόχο της να αυξήσει τα κέρδη της.The company set its goal to increase its profits.
- Ο στόχος μου είναι να περάσω τις πανελλήνιες εξετάσεις.My goal is to pass the national exams.
- Ο κύριος σκοπός μου είναι η γνώση.O kyrios skopos mou einai i gnosi.My main goal is knowledge.
- Ποιος είναι ο τελικός σου σκοπός;Poios einai o telikos sou skopos;What is your ultimate goal?
Example conversation
Anastasia and Kostas are talking about their career plans.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΚώστα, ποιος είναι ο επαγγελματικός σου σκοπός;Kota, poios einai o epangelmatikos sou skopos?Kostas, what is your professional goal?
- Κώστας KostasΘέλω να ανοίξω τη δική μου εταιρεία.Thelo na anoixo ti diki mou etaireia.I want to open my own company.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΑυτό είναι ένας πολύ μεγάλος σκοπός.Auto einai enas poly megalos skopos.That is a very big goal.
- Κώστας KostasΝαι, αλλά θα δουλέψω σκληρά για αυτό.Nai, alla tha doulepso sklyra gia auto.Yes, but I will work hard for it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goal” translations and entries σκοπός, επιδίωξη, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
