άγιος
ágios/ˈa.ʝi.os/
The Greek word for holy is άγιος (ágios).
The word άγιος is used to describe something revered in a religion. When used as a title before a person's name, it functions as the word 'Saint'.
Meaning: revered in a religion (adj)
Which one should you use?
The form άγιοι is used specifically when referring to 'Saints' as a group.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use άγια for feminine nouns, άγιο for neuter nouns, άγιοι for masculine plural nouns and άγιες for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is ágios (/ˈa.ʝi.os/). It has three syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
When do people say it?
In informal settings, the phrase παναγιά μου is used as an exclamation to express astonishment, surprise or frustration.
Did you know?
- The Greek word άγιος is the linguistic root for the English word 'hagiography', which refers to the writing of lives of saints.
- In Greek, saying someone is 'holy' using άγιος can sometimes be used sarcastically to describe someone who is acting overly virtuous or self-righteous.
- In Ancient Greek, the word ἅγιος often referred to something 'set apart' or 'untouchable' for ritual use, a nuance that still informs its sacred status today.
Examples in context
- Ο άγιος Νικόλαος είναι πολύ γνωστός.O ágios Nikólaos eínai polý gnostós.Saint Nicholas is very well known.
Example conversation
Two friends are walking past an old church in a village.
- Κώστας KostasΕίναι ο άγιος Γεώργιος εκείνη η εκκλησία;Eínai o ágios Geórgios ekeínē ē ekklēsía;Is that church dedicated to Saint George?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΌχι, Κώστα, είναι ο άγιος Νικόλαος.Óchi, Kósta, eínai o ágios Nikólaos.No, Kostas, it is Saint Nicholas.
- Κώστας KostasΕίναι πολύ ωραία αυτή η εκκλησία.Eínai polý oreía aftí ē ekklēsía.This church is very beautiful.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝαι, είναι ένας άγιος τόπος.Ne, eínai énas ágios tópos.Yes, it is a holy place.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “holy” translations and entries άγιος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
