Ιησούς Χριστός
Iisoús Christós/i.iˈsus xɾiˈstos/word by word
Ιησούς Χριστός (Iisoús Christós) is the Greek way to say "Jesus Christ".
The phrase can be used as an exclamation of surprise or frustration. However, in many Greek-speaking cultures, it is often perceived as a religious oath or profanity.
Meaning: expletive or oath (intj)
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /i.iˈsus xɾiˈstos/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
When do people say it?
While it can be used as an exclamation of surprise or frustration, it is often perceived as a religious oath or profanity in Greek-speaking cultures.
Did you know?
- The word Χριστός comes from the Greek verb meaning 'to rub' or 'to anoint', making the name a description of a 'christened' or anointed king.
- Because the phrase is seen as a strong oath, many Greeks substitute it with 'euphemisms' to avoid blasphemy, similar to how English speakers say 'Geez' instead of 'Jesus'.
- In Greek, the word Χριστός shares its linguistic DNA with the word 'chrism', which refers to a consecrated oil used in religious rites.
Example conversation
Nikis drops a heavy tray of glasses in the kitchen.
- Ελένη EleniΙησούς Χριστός, Νίκο! Προσεχείς!Iisoús Christós, Níko! Prosechéis!Jesus Christ, Nikos! Be careful!
- Νίκος NikosΣυγγνώμη, γλίστρησα λίγο.Sygnómi, glístrisa lígo.Sorry, I slipped a bit.
- Ελένη EleniΚοίτα όλα τα θραύσματα στο πάτωμα.Koíta óla ta thrásmata sto pátoma.Look at all the shards on the floor.
- Νίκος NikosΘα τα μαζέψω τώρα.Tha ta mazépsō tóra.I will pick them up now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Ιησούς Χριστός, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (Ιησούς, Χριστός) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Ιησούς, Ιησούς Χριστός, Χριστός, CC BY-SA 4.0.
