πώς
pós/ˈpos/
The Greek word for "how" is πώς (pós).
πώς is used to inquire about the manner or method in which something is done. You can also use the phrase Με ποιον τρόπο to specifically mean "in what way."
Meaning: in what manner (adv)
Which one should you use?
While πώς is used to ask "how" regarding a manner or method, you should use όπως when you mean "as" or "like" to make a comparison.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the northern parts of Greece, particularly in Thessaloniki, the phrase τι γίνεται is used to mean "how are things?"
How do you pronounce it?
The word is romanized as pós and pronounced /ˈpos/.
Did you know?
- While πώς asks for a method, the word πως without the accent can change the meaning entirely to 'that' in certain grammatical structures, often used to connect clauses.
- When used in the phrase πώς γίνεται, it doesn't just mean 'how does it happen' but is the standard way to express 'how is that possible?' in a state of shock.
- When asking 'how' in a way that implies 'in what manner', Greeks may use πώς, but if they are asking 'how many' or 'how much', the word changes entirely to πόσο.
Examples in context
- Πώς θα το βρω;How will I find it?This sentence shows how to use πώς to ask about finding something.Tatoeba #5371703 by Zeus, translation #3439535 by CK
- Πώς ήταν ο Τομ;How was Tom?This sentence demonstrates using πώς to ask about someone's condition.Tatoeba #5541336 by Zeus, translation #4495347 by CK
- Πες μου πώς έγινε.Tell me how it happened.This sentence illustrates using πώς within a statement about how an event occurred.Tatoeba #5470672 by Zeus, translation #3131502 by CK
- Πώς είστε;How are you?
- Με ποιον τρόπο φτιάχνεις το γλυκό αυτό;How do you make this dessert?
- Πώς πάει η δουλειά;How's work going?
- Τι κάνεις σήμερα;How are you today?
- 133 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nikos and Eleni are talking about a new recipe.
- Νίκος NikosΠώς το έκανες αυτό;Pos to ekanes afto?How did you do that?
- Ελένη EleniΑκολούθησα τις οδηγίες στο βιβλίο.Akolouthisa tis odigies sto vivlio.I followed the instructions in the book.
- Νίκος NikosΠώς είναι η γεύση του;Pos einai i geyse tou?How is the taste of it?
- Ελένη EleniΕίναι πολύ νόστιμο, Νίκο!Einai poly nostimo, Niko!It is very delicious, Nikos!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “how” translations and entries πώς, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
