ευτυχία
eftychía/ef.tiˈçi.a/feminine
The Greek word for happiness is ευτυχία (eftychía).
ευτυχία is used to describe the emotion of being happy, specifically referring to a deep and long-term state of happiness.
Meaning: emotion of being happy (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word consists of the prefix ευ-, which means 'well' or 'good'.
Which one should you use?
While ευτυχία refers to a deep, long-term state of happiness, χαρά is often used for more fleeting feelings of joy or pleasure.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is a feminine noun. To say 'of happiness' in the genitive singular, use της ευτυχίας.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is eftychía. The stress is on the third of four syllables.
Did you know?
- The English word 'euthanasia' shares the same prefix ευ- as ευτυχία, both meaning 'good'.
- In Greek philosophy, the concept of 'eudaimonia' is often translated as ευτυχία, though it refers specifically to human flourishing and living a virtuous life.
- While 'ευτυχία' is used for deep happiness, it shares its roots with the concept of 'good fortune' or 'luck' rather than just a feeling of joy.
Examples in context
- Μπορεί το χρήμα ν' αγοράσει την ευτυχία;Can money buy happiness?This sentence is useful for questioning if money can buy ευτυχία.Tatoeba #5582089 by Zeus, translation #743036 by CM
- Ο σεβασμός στους νόμους είναι θεμελιώδης για τη συλλογική ευτυχία.Respect for laws is fundamental to collective happiness.This sentence shows how respect for laws relates to collective ευτυχία.Tatoeba #3542151 by glavkos, translation #9473291 by Nylez
- Θα σου δώσω δωρεάν ευτυχία.I'll give you free happiness.This sentence is an example of offering someone ευτυχία.Tatoeba #9630775 by TurkishReform, translation #9806040 by Nylez
- Η ευτυχία είναι το κλειδί για μια ευημερούσα ζωήHappiness is the key to a prosperous life.
- Ένιωσα μια τεράστια χαρά όταν τα κατάφεραI felt immense happiness when I succeeded.
- Οι διακοπές στην Ελλάδα ήταν γεμάτες ευφορίαThe vacations in Greece were filled with euphoria.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Nikos are talking about their goals in life.
- Μαρία MariaΤι σημαίνει ευτυχία για σένα, Νίκο;Ti simaine eftychía gia séna, Níko?What does happiness mean to you, Nikos?
- Νίκος NikosΓια μένα, η ευτυχία είναι η οικογένειά μου.Gia ména, i eftychía eínai i ikogéneiá mou.For me, happiness is my family.
- Μαρία MariaΣυμφωνώ, η οικογένεια φέρνει την πραγματική ευτυχία.Symfonó, i ikogéneia férnei tin pragmatikí eftychía.I agree, family brings true happiness.
- Νίκος NikosΑκριβώς, Μαρία, αυτό είναι το πιο σημαντικό.Akrivós, María, aftó eínai to pio simantikó.Exactly, Maria, that is the most important thing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “happiness” translations and entries ευτυχία, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ευτυχία, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
