μεγαλοθεία
megalotheía
The English phrase "great aunt" translates to Greek as μεγαλοθεία (megalotheía).
μεγαλοθεία refers to the sister of one's grandparent.
How do you pronounce it?
megalotheía
Did you know?
- In Greek culture, calling an older woman θεία (aunt) is a common mark of respect even for strangers. Using the more precise μεγαλοθεία would actually distance you from that warmth and create an awkward, formal barrier.
- In Greek, the prefix μεγαλο- in μεγαλοθεία literally means 'large', implying that a great aunt is a 'large aunt' rather than one from a previous generation.
- Because Greek kinship is very precise, using a term like μεγαλοθεία in a casual setting can actually make you sound like you are reading from a textbook or a formal genealogy.
Examples in context
- Η μεγαλοθεία μου είναι πολύ καλή.I megalotheia mou einai poly kali.My great aunt is very kind.
- Πήγα να επισκεφτώ τη μεγαλοθεία μου.Piga na episkefto ti megalotheia mou.I went to visit my great aunt.
Example conversation
Dimitris and Eleni are looking at old family photos.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΠοια είναι αυτή η γυναίκα στη φωτογραφία;Poia einai ayti i gynaika sti fotografia?Who is this woman in the photo?
- Ελένη EleniΑυτή είναι η μεγαλοθεία μου, η Μαρία.Ayti einai i megalotheia mou, i Maria.This is my great aunt, Maria.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΔεν την έχω γνωρίσει ποτέ.Den tin echo gnorisei pote.I have never met her.
- Ελένη EleniΘα τη γνωρίσεις στο επόμενο γιορτή.Tha ti gnoriseis sto epomeno giorti.You will meet her at the next celebration.
