ελπίδα
elpída/elˈpi.ða/
In Greek, the English phrase "hope" is expressed as ελπίδα (elpída).
The word ελπίδα is a noun meaning the belief that something wished for can happen. When you want to express the action of hoping (the verb), you should use ελπίζω.
Meaning: to want something to happen, with expectation that it might (verb)
Which one should you use?
Do not confuse the verb ελπίζω (to hope for a positive outcome) with περιμένω, which means to wait for or to expect something to happen based on probability.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
While ελπίδα is the noun for "hope", the verb for "to hope" is ελπίζω. When using the verb ελπίζω to express a hope that something will happen, it is typically followed by the particle να and a subjunctive verb.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /elˈpi.ða/. It has three syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- In Ancient Greek mythology, ελπίς was a personified spirit or goddess who lived at the very bottom of Pandora's jar.
- While ελπίζω is the standard verb for 'hope', Greeks often use the phrase μακάρι να to express a strong, almost prayer-like wish for something to happen.
- In many Greek idioms, instead of 'keeping hope alive', one might speak of 'clinging' to ελπίδα, suggesting a much more intense and desperate grip.
Examples in context
- Είσαι η μόνη μου ελπίδα.You are my only hope.This sentence demonstrates the use of ελπίδα as a noun.Tatoeba #4653410 by pinkmpnster, translation #4645706 by Sladey
- Είναι η μόνη σας ελπίδα.It's your only hope.Tatoeba #5506868 by Zeus, translation #3635900 by CK
- Ήταν ανίκανη να εγκαταλείψει την ελπίδα της πως θα τον παντρευτεί.She was unable to completely give up her hope of marrying him.Tatoeba #2412952 by mululatv, translation #887565 by CK
- Ελπίζω να είστε καλά.I hope you are well.
- Ελπίζω να επιτύχετε στο μέλλον.I hope you succeed in the future.
- Σου εύχομαι πάντα επιτυχία. Ελπίζω τα όνειρά σου να πραγματοποιηθούν.I wish you all the success. May your dreams come true.
- Καλά να περάσεις.Have a good time.
- Να τα περάσεις καλά.May you have a good time.
- Μακάρι να βρεις αυτό που ψάχνεις.May you find what you're looking for.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nikos and Anastasia are talking about a difficult situation.
- Νίκος NikosΔεν έχω πια ελπίδα για αυτό.Den echo pia elpida gia afto.I have no hope for this anymore.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΜην τα παρατάς, Νίκο!Min ta paratas, Niko!Don't give up, Nikos!
- Νίκος NikosΠού είναι η ελπίδα σε αυτό;Pou einai i elpida se afto?Where is the hope in this?
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΗ ελπίδα είναι πάντα εκεί.I elpida einai panta ekei.Hope is always there.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ελπίδα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
