άνθρωπος
ánthropos/ˈan.θɾo.pos/
The English phrase "human being" is translated into Greek as άνθρωπος (ánthropos).
άνθρωπος means a human being or a person. In colloquial Greek, it is frequently used to mean 'person' or 'guy' (e.g., 'He is a good human being/person').
Meaning: person (noun)
Which one should you use?
The word άνθρωπος is used for both 'human being' and 'man' in a general sense, rather than specifying gender.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of άνθρωπος is άνθρωποι (human beings). If you need to say "of a human being", use the genitive singular form ανθρώπου.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word άνθρωπος is the root of the English word 'anthropology', the study of humans.
- The term ανθρωπιά (humanity/compassion) is derived from άνθρωπος, but it describes a quality of kindness rather than the biological species.
- The word άνθρωπος has been used in Greek for over two millennia, appearing in the works of Homer and Plato to define the essence of humanity.
Examples in context
- Δεν είμαι άνθρωπος.I'm not a human being.This sentence is useful for practicing the word άνθρωπος.Tatoeba #10165271 by abi, translation #10163043 by CK
- Ο άνθρωπος (ο Anthropos) είναι το πιο φιλοσοφικό από όλα τα όντα.The human being is the most philosophical of all beings.
- Κάθε άνθρωπος (κάθε άτομο) έχει τις δικές του ιδιαιτερότητες.Every human being has their own uniqueness.
- Κάθε άνθρωπος έχει δικαιώματα.Kathe anthropos echei dikaiomata.Every human being has rights.
- Είναι ένας πολύ καλός άνθρωπος.Ine enas poly kalos anthropos.He is a very good person.
Example conversation
Giorgos and Eleni are talking about a new neighbor.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΠώς είναι ο νέος γείτονας;Pos einai o neos geitonas?What is the new neighbor like?
- Ελένη EleniΦαίνεται να είναι ειλικρινής άνθρωπος.Fainetai na einai eilikrinis anthropos.He seems to be an honest person.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΧαίρομαι πολύ για αυτό.Hairomai poly gia afto.I am very glad to hear that.
- Ελένη EleniΝαι, είναι πραγματικά ευγενικός.Nai, einai pragmatika evgenikos.Yes, he is truly polite.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry άνθρωπος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
