χέρι
chéri/ˈçe.ɾi/neuter
The Greek word for hand is χέρι (chéri).
χέρι refers to the part of the fore limb. In everyday Greek, it is often used colloquially to refer to the entire arm rather than just the hand.
Meaning: part of the fore limb (noun)
Which one should you use?
χέρι is the standard word used in most situations, whereas χείρα is a more formal or poetic term typically found in literature or religious contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of χέρι is χέρια (hands), and the genitive singular form is χεριού (of the hand or hand's). χέρι is a neuter noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as chéri. The stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- English has several scientific terms derived from the ancient root of χέρι, such as 'chiropractor' and 'chiromancy'. These words use the Greek root for 'hand' to describe manual therapy or palm reading.
- The word χέρι is actually a diminutive form of the Ancient Greek word χείρ. While the original word meant 'hand', the modern version originally meant 'little hand'.
- In Greek culture, a 'hand' can be used in the phrase έδωσε το χέρι του, which means 'he gave his hand'. Depending on the context, this can refer to a marriage proposal or an act of surrender.
Examples in context
- Σήκωσε το χέρι του.He raised his hand.This sentence shows how to use the word χέρι.Tatoeba #5485810 by Zeus, translation #370607 by saeb
- Σήκωσε το αριστερό χέρι.Raise your left hand.Tatoeba #1562519 by glavkos, translation #243565 by CK
- Ο Τομ άρπαξε το χέρι μου.Tom grabbed my hand.Tatoeba #5524033 by Zeus, translation #5523474 by Hybrid
- Κρατώ το χέρι σου.I'm holding your hand.
- Δώσε μου τα χέρια σου.Give me your hands.
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kiriaki is helping Giorgos carry some heavy bags.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΔώσε μου το χέρι σου.Dosse mou to cheri sou.Give me your hand.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕίναι πολύ βαριά οι τσάντες.Einai poly varia oi tsantes.The bags are very heavy.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΚράτα το χέρι μου σφιχτά.Krata to cheri mou sfichta.Hold my hand tightly.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕυχαριστώ, Κυριακή.Efcharisto, Kiriaki.Thank you, Kiriaki.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hand” translations and entries χέρι, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries χέρι, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
