ύψος
ýpsosneuter
The English word 'height' is translated to Greek as ύψος (ýpsos).
The word ύψος is used to describe the distance from the bottom to the top of something, whether you are referring to the physical height of an object or the height of a person.
Meaning: distance from bottom to top (noun)
Which one should you use?
While ύψος is the general term for height, the specific term υψόμετρο should be used when you are talking about altitude above sea level.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default neuter form is ύψος. When you need to show possession or use the word after certain prepositions such as σε, you should use the genitive form ύψους.
How do you pronounce it?
ýpsos
Did you know?
- The word ύψος shares the same ancient root as the English word 'hyperbole', which refers to an 'exaggeration' or an 'elevation' of a statement.
- In classical philosophy, the word ύψος was used to describe the 'sublime', or the highest peak of human excellence.
- To say someone is growing taller, Greeks use the verb μεγαλώνω, which literally means 'to become large'.
Examples in context
- 'Εχουμε περίπου το ίδιο ύψος.We're about the same height.This sentence demonstrates how to use ύψος when talking about being the same height.Tatoeba #4651471 by pinkmpnster, translation #4649594 by Hybrid
- Ο Τομ κι ο Τζιμ έχουν το ίδιο ύψος.Tom and Jim are the same height.This sentence shows how to use ύψος to describe people having the same height.Tatoeba #5528627 by Zeus, translation #637627 by kebukebu
- Το αεροπλάνο χάνει ύψος.The plane is losing height.This sentence illustrates using ύψος to describe an aircraft losing its height.Tatoeba #1303355 by enteka, translation #9006694 by Nylez
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kostas and Anastasia are looking at a new bookshelf for their apartment.
- Κώστας KostasΠοιο είναι το ύψος της βιβλιοθήκης;Poio einai to ypsos tis vivliothikis?What is the height of the bookshelf?
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΕίναι δύο μέτρα σε ύψος.Einai dyo metra se ypsos.It is two meters in height.
- Κώστας KostasΤαιριάζει στον τοίχο μας;Tairiazei ston toicho mas?Does it fit our wall?
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΝαι, το ύψος είναι τέλειο.Nai, to ypsos einai teleio.Yes, the height is perfect.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “height” translations and entries ύψος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ύψος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
