χάρη
chári/ˈxa.ɾi/feminine
The English word 'grace' can be translated into Greek as χάρη (chári), which refers to elegant movement, poise or balance.
The noun is used to describe physical elegance, poise or a sense of balance in movement. It is also related to the verb κοσμώ, which means to adorn, decorate, embellish or dignify. Related names include Αγλαΐα and the transliterated Γκρέις.
Meaning: elegant movement, poise or balance (noun)
Which one should you use?
While χάρη is the standard form, the form χάρις is the ancient Greek root. This archaic form is encountered in literary, religious or highly formal contexts, often denoting divine grace or charm.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is feminine. To express possession or qualities belonging to the grace, use the genitive singular form της χάρης.
How do you pronounce it?
chári (/'xa.ɾi/). The word has two syllables and the stress is on the first syllable.
When do people say it?
When saying grace, it is customary to close your eyes and bow your head.
Did you know?
- The ancient root χάρις gives us the English word 'charisma', which literally translates to 'a gift of grace'.
- The term χάρις is a foundation for the English word 'charity', as the original meaning involved the graceful giving of a gift.
- The word χάρη is closely linked to the Greek word for joy, χαρά, suggesting that elegance and happiness are linguistically entwined.
Examples in context
- Ο Γκρεγκ έχει τη χάρη ενός κυκνου, τη σοφία μίας κουκουβάγιας και την όραση ενός αετού. Κυρίες και κύριοι αυτός ο άντρας είναι για τα πουλιά!Greg has the grace of a swan, the wisdom of an owl, and the eye of an eagle. Ladies and gentlemen, this man is for the birds!This sentence is useful for illustrating how to use χάρη to describe a quality of a person.Tatoeba #7790781 by eypros, translation #7789256 by Goatstein
- Ευλογημένος είσαι, Κύριε, που μας δίνεις αυτά τα τρόφιμα, προσφέρουμε σε σένα την ευγνωμοσύνη μας.Blessed are you, Lord, for providing us with this food, we offer you our gratitude.
- Ευχαριστούμε, Κύριε, για αυτήν την τροφή που μας παρέχετε για τις ανάγκες μας.We thank you, Lord, for providing us with this food for our needs.
- Η χάρη της με εντυπωσίασε.I chari tis me entiposiase.Her grace impressed me.
Example conversation
Two friends are watching a ballet performance.
- Ελένη EleniΔες τη χάρη της σε αυτή την κίνηση!Des ti chári tis se aftí tin kínisi!Look at her grace in this movement!
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΠραγματικά, μοιάζει με κύκνο στη σκηνή.Pragmatiká, moiázei me kýkno sti skiní.Truly, she looks like a swan on stage.
- Ελένη EleniΗ χάρη της είναι απλά εκπληκτική.I chári tis einai aplá ekpliktikí.Her grace is simply amazing.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΣυμφωνώ, είναι η καλύτερη της ομάδας.Symfonó, einai i kalýteri tis omádas.I agree, she is the best in the group.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grace” translations and entries χάρη, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
