μακάρι
makári
The Greek phrase for "I wish" is μακάρι (makári).
μακάρι is used to express the sentiment "if only". While it can function as an adverb meaning "blessedly" or "happily", it is used as an interjection to mean 'if only' or 'I wish'.
Meaning: I would very much like that to be so (phrase)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word μακάρι is almost always followed by the particle να to introduce the clause expressing the wish.
How do you pronounce it?
makári
Did you know?
- Greek speakers may use μακάρι sarcastically to express that a desired outcome is completely unrealistic.
- In Ancient Greece, μακάριος specifically described the state of the gods, who were considered 'blessed' because they were immortal.
- While English uses 'wish' to mean both a desire and a greeting (like 'best wishes'), in Greek, you would use different words to avoid confusion between a longing and a blessing.
Examples in context
- Μακάρι να μην ήμουν Καναδή.I wish I weren't Canadian.This sentence shows how to express a wish about one's nationality using μακάρι.Tatoeba #5624278 by Zeus, translation #2544936 by CK
- Μακάρι να 'χα γεννηθεί Καναδή.I wish I'd been born a Canadian.This example demonstrates using μακάρι to express a wish regarding one's birth.Tatoeba #5624410 by Zeus, translation #3122883 by CK
- Μακάρι να μπορούσα να βοηθήσω.I wish that I could help.This sentence illustrates how to use μακάρι to express a wish about one's ability to help.Tatoeba #7765331 by eypros, translation #6104627 by CK
- Ευχόμαστε καλή επιτυχία στη νέα εργασία σας.We wish you good luck in your new job.
- Να τα πετύχεις στην καινούργια δουλειά σου!Good luck in your new job!
- 35 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kyriaki and Dimitris are talking about their dream vacation.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΜακάρι να ταξιδέψουμε στην Ιταλία φέτος.Makari na taxidepsoúme stin Italia fétos.I wish we could travel to Italy this year.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΘα ήθελα κι εγώ, αλλά δεν έχω χρήματα.Tha íthela ki egó, allá den écho chrímata.I would like that too, but I don't have money.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΜακάρι να βρούμε κάποια φτηνή προσφορά!Makari na vroúme kápoia ftiní prosforá!I wish we could find some cheap offer!
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΕλπίζω να γίνει, Κυριάκη.Elpízo na gíni, Kyriáki.I hope it happens, Kyriaki.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry μακάρι, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
