Μεγάλη Παρασκευή
Megáli Paraskeví/meˈɣa.li pa.ras.ceˈvi/feminine
Good Friday in Greek is Μεγάλη Παρασκευή (Megáli Paraskeví).
The phrase is used as a proper noun for the religious holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Christ. Unlike the English term, the adjective Μεγάλη (Great) is an integral part of the name of the day.
Meaning: The Friday before Easter Sunday, the commemoration of the day on which Christ was crucified (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to Great Friday.
Which one should you use?
While Μεγάλη Παρασκευή (Great Friday) is the standard term, Καλή Παρασκευή can also be used to express Good Friday. For even greater solemnity, one might use Άγια και Μεγάλη Παρασκευή, which means Holy and Great Friday.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you wish to say 'on Good Friday', the phrase takes the accusative case with the definite article, appearing as τη Μεγάλη Παρασκευή.
How do you pronounce it?
The stress is on the second syllable of the six total syllables.
Did you know?
- The word Παρασκευή is not just a name for 'Friday' but literally means a 'preparation'. It describes the day of preparation before the Sabbath.
- In Greek, the adjective Μεγάλη meaning 'Great' is used for several days of Holy Week. This creates a cluster of 'Great' days leading up to Easter.
Examples in context
- Τι θα κάνετε αυτή τη Μεγάλη Παρασκευή;Ti tha kánete aftí ti Megáli Paraskeví;What will you do this Good Friday?
- Η Μεγάλη Παρασκευή έρχεται σύντομα.I Megáli Paraskeví érchetai sýntoma.Good Friday is coming soon.
Example conversation
Nikos and Eleni are discussing their holiday plans.
- Νίκος NikosΠότε είναι η Μεγάλη Παρασκευή φέτος;Póte eínai i Megáli Paraskeví fétos?When is Good Friday this year?
- Ελένη EleniΕίναι την επόμενη εβδομάδα, Νίκο.Eínai tin epómeni evdomáda, Níko.It is next week, Nikos.
- Νίκος NikosΘα πάμε στο χωριό μας τότε;Tha páme sto chorió mas tóte?Will we go to our village then?
- Ελένη EleniΝαι, θα πάμε όλοι μαζί.Nai, tha páme óloi mazí.Yes, we will all go together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “good Friday” translations and entries Μεγάλη Παρασκευή, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Μεγάλη Παρασκευή, Παρασκευή, παρασκευή, CC BY-SA 4.0.
