κεφάλι
kefáli/ceˈfa.li/neuter
The English word 'head' is translated into Greek as κεφάλι (kefáli).
κεφάλι is the standard term used to refer to the anatomical head of a person or animal.
Meaning: part of the body (noun)
Which one should you use?
κεφάλι is the standard word for the body part, whereas κεφαλή is used in more formal, medical or abstract contexts, such as when referring to a 'head of state'. Additionally, note that Αρχηγείο is used for the 'headquarters' or 'main office' of an organization rather than a physical head.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
κεφάλι is a neuter noun. Its plural form is κεφάλια, and the genitive singular form (meaning 'of the head') is του κεφαλιού.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ceˈfa.li/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- In Greek, if you want to talk about 'capital' in the sense of money, you would use the word κεφάλαιο, which shares the same root as 'head'.
- The word κεφάλι is actually a diminutive, originally meaning 'little head'. Over centuries of use, this 'small' version replaced the original word in everyday speech.
- The English word 'cephalopod', used for octopuses and squids, comes from the Greek κεφαλή and πόδι (foot), meaning 'head-foot'.
Examples in context
- Ξύρισε το κεφάλι της.She shaved her head.This sentence is useful for describing the action of shaving κεφάλι.Tatoeba #4364468 by Tensai, translation #2292579 by Hybrid
- Κούνησα το κεφάλι μου.I shook my head.This sentence is useful for describing the action of shaking one's κεφάλι.Tatoeba #5605685 by Zeus, translation #258479 by CK
- Κούνησε το κεφάλι του.He shook his head.This sentence is useful for describing the action of someone else shaking their κεφάλι.Tatoeba #5634278 by Zeus, translation #299268 by CK
- Χτύπησε το κεφάλι του στον τοίχο.He hit his head on the wall.
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria tells Nikos that she has a headache.
- Μαρία MariaΠονάει το κεφάλι μου.Ponáei to kefáli mou.My head hurts.
- Νίκος NikosΘέλεις ένα φάρμακο, Μαρία;Thélis éna fármako, María?Do you want a medicine, Maria?
- Μαρία MariaΝαι, το κεφάλι μου τρέμει.Nai, to kefáli mou trémei.Yes, my head is throbbing.
- Νίκος NikosΞεκουράσου λίγο τώρα.Xekourásou lígo tóra.Rest a bit now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “head” translations and entries κεφάλι, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries κεφάλι, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
