αγκαλιά
agkaliáneuter
The English word 'hug' is translated into Greek as αγκαλιά (agkaliá) or αγκάλιασμα.
Meaning: affectionate embrace (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| αγκαλιά | agkaliá | neuter |
| αγκάλιασμα | agkáliasma | neuter |
Both forms are used to describe a hug, which is an affectionate embrace. You can also use the related verb αγκαλιάζω to express the action of hugging or embracing someone, or to describe clinging closely together.
Which one should you use?
While αγκαλιά refers to the embrace itself, αγκάλιασμα is often used to denote the physical act or the process of hugging.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The two noun forms provided, αγκαλιά and αγκάλιασμα, are both neuter nouns. The verb αγκαλιάζω is used to express the active process of the embrace.
How do you pronounce it?
agkaliá
Did you know?
- In Greece, a hug is frequently accompanied by two or three kisses on the cheeks, starting with the right side. This combination is the standard greeting among close friends and family.
- The verb αγκαλιάζω can also mean to 'adopt' a child, moving from a physical embrace to a legal and social bond.
- In certain poetic contexts, αγκαλιά is used to describe the way mountains or landscapes 'embrace' a valley or a town.
Examples in context
- Αγκαλιάστε τον Τομ.Hug Tom.This sentence is useful for practicing how to use the form αγκαλιά in an imperative command.Tatoeba #5457610 by Zeus, translation #2203860 by CK
- Την καληνυχτίζω με μια ζεστή αγκαλιά.I bid her goodnight with a warm hug.
- Μετά από καιρό, τον συνάντησε με μια φιλική αγκαλιά.After a long time, she met him with a friendly hug.
- Όταν την είδα, την αγκάλιασα με ευχαρίστηση.When I saw her, I hugged her with pleasure.
- Του έδωσα μια γρήγορη αγκαλιά.Tou edosa mia grigori agkalia.I gave him a quick hug.
Example conversation
Nikos and Eleni meet after a long time.
- Νίκος NikosΕλένη, χάρηκα που σε είδα!Eleni, harika pou se eida!Eleni, I'm glad I saw you!
- Ελένη EleniΚι εγώ, Νίκο! Χρειάζομαι μια αγκαλιά.Ki ego, Niko! Chreiazomai mia agkalia.Me too, Nikos! I need a hug.
- Νίκος NikosΈλα εδώ, φίλη μου.Ela edo, fili mou.Come here, my friend.
- Ελένη EleniΕυχαριστώ πολύ.Efcharisto poly.Thank you very much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hug” translations and entries αγκαλιά, αγκάλιασμα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
