κηδεμόνας
kidemónas/ci.ðɛ.ˈmɔ.nas/common gender
The Greek word for a legal guardian (a person responsible for a minor) is κηδεμόνας (kidemónas).
κηδεμόνας is used specifically in a legal context to refer to a person who is legally responsible for a minor, acting in place of a parent.
Meaning: law: person legally responsible for a minor in loco parentis (noun)
Which one should you use?
While κηδεμόνας refers to a legal guardian, you may encounter Φύλακας, which means a guard or warden and Προστατευτής, a formal term that emphasizes the protective nature of a guardian.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word κηδεμόνας changes depending on its role in a sentence. It becomes κηδεμόνα when it is the direct object (accusative case). To express the plural genitive, meaning 'of guardians', use κηδεμόνων.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced kidemónas (/ci.ðɛ.ˈmɔ.nas/). It has four syllables, with the stress on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- While κηδεμόνας is the legal term, if you want to say someone is a 'guardian angel', you would use the phrase άγγελος φύλακας instead.
- If you call a person a φύλακας in a modern Greek city, they might think you are calling them a 'security guard' rather than a legal protector.
- The Ancient Greek root of κηδεμόνας is linked to the idea of 'care' or 'concern' for someone, rather than just 'watching' them.
Examples in context
- Ο δικαστής τους διόρισε ως προστατευτές του παιδιού.The judge appointed them as the child's guardians.
- Ο θείος μου είναι ο φρουρός της πόλης.My uncle is the guardian of the city.
- Ο κηδεμόνας έχει την πλήρη ευθύνη.O kdimonas echei tin pliri efthini.The guardian has full responsibility.
Example conversation
Eleni and Kostas are discussing legal documents for a relative.
- Ελένη EleniΠρέπει να υπογράψει ο κηδεμόνας αυτά τα έγγραφα.Prepei na ypograpsi o kidemonas auta ta eggrafa.The guardian must sign these documents.
- Κώστας KostasΉδη τα υπέγραψε χθες το απόγευμα.Idi ta ypograpse chthes to apogevma.He already signed them yesterday afternoon.
- Ελένη EleniΕίναι σίγουρος για τη διαδικασία;Einai sigouros gia ti diadikasia?Is he sure about the process?
- Κώστας KostasΝαι, ο κηδεμόνας γνωρίζει ακριβώς τι κάνει.Nai, o kidemonas gnoirizei akrivos ti kanei.Yes, the guardian knows exactly what he is doing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “guardian” translations and entries κηδεμόνας, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries κηδεμόνας, CC BY-SA 4.0.
