καρδιά
kardiá/karˈðʝa/feminine
The Greek word for heart is καρδιά (kardiá).
καρδιά refers to the biological organ. While it is the standard term for the physical heart, you may encounter the word Ψυχή used metaphorically to represent a person's soul or their innermost emotions.
Meaning: an organ (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
καρδιά is a feminine noun. To indicate possession or the phrase 'of the heart', use the genitive singular form της καρδιάς. The plural form for 'hearts' is καρδιές.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is kardiá and the IPA is /karˈðʝa/.
Did you know?
- In Greek, the word καρδιά also refers to the heart of a palm tree or the core of certain vegetables.
- In Ancient Greek, the word καρδία was often used in philosophical texts to describe the seat of thought and reason, a role that English usually assigns to the 'brain'.
- The Greek phrase for 'heart-broken' uses the word ραγισμένη, which literally means 'cracked' like a piece of ceramic or glass.
Examples in context
- Έχεις καλή καρδιά.You have a good heart.This sentence shows how to describe someone having a kind nature using καρδιά.Tatoeba #9577701 by Niki_Pechlivanidi, translation #2546883 by CK
- Έχει μια καρδιά από χρυσάφι.She has a heart of gold.This sentence illustrates the metaphor of having a heart of gold using καρδιά.Tatoeba #2401074 by mululatv, translation #2217666 by Hybrid
- Η καρδιά μου είναι δική σου.My heart is yours.This sentence shows a romantic expression of devotion using καρδιά.Tatoeba #5516677 by Zeus, translation #4500056 by CK
- 27 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Nikos are talking about health and exercise.
- Μαρία MariaΗ γυμναστική βοηθάει την καρδιά.I gymnastiki voithaei tin kardia.Exercise helps the heart.
- Νίκος NikosΝαι, είναι πολύ σημαντικό.Ne, einai poly simantiko.Yes, it is very important.
- Μαρία MariaΠρέπει να προσέχουμε την καρδιά μας.Prepei na prosechoume tin kardia mas.We must take care of our heart.
- Νίκος NikosΈχεις απόλυτο δίκιο, Μαρία.Echeis apolyto dikio, Maria.You are absolutely right, Maria.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “heart” translations and entries καρδιά, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
