Ιωσήφ
Iosíf
Joseph is a male given name in Greek, most commonly rendered as Ιωσήφ (Iosíf). Wiktionary also lists Ιώσηπος (Iósipos).
Meaning: male given name (name)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| Ιωσήφ | Iosíf |
| Ιώσηπος | Iósipos |
Which one should you use?
Ιώσηπος is the more formal or biblical version of the name, often used in religious contexts or older literature. In contrast, Ιωσήφ is the more common, modern way to say Joseph in contemporary Greek.
How do you pronounce it?
Iosíf
Did you know?
- The diminutive Iosifakis uses the '-akis' suffix, which is a hallmark of the Cretan dialect but is used across Greece to express endearment.
- The Greek form Ιωσήφ belongs to a category of names that are 'imported' via Hebrew, which often retain a more ancient phonetic structure than indigenous Greek names.
- If you use the formal Ιώσηπος in a casual setting, you may sound as though you are reciting a play or a religious liturgy.
Examples in context
- Ο Ιωσήφ είναι ένας καλός άνθρωπος.O Ioséf íne énas kalós ánthropos.Joseph is a good man.
- Γνώρισα τον Ιωσήφ στο σχολείο.Gnérisa ton Ioséf sto scholío.I met Joseph at school.
- Ο Ιωσήφ θα έρθει αύριο.O Ioséf tha érthei ávrio.Joseph will come tomorrow.
Example conversation
George and Eleni are talking about a mutual acquaintance.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΈχεις δει τον Ιωσήφ akhiróta;Écheis dei ton Iosíf prósphata?Have you seen Joseph lately?
- Ελένη EleniΌχι, δεν τον έχω δει.Óchi, den ton écho dei.No, I haven't seen him.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΠρέπει να καλέσουμε τον Ιωσήφ για καφέ.Prépei na kalésoume ton Iosíf gia kafé.We should invite Joseph for coffee.
- Ελένη EleniΝαι, είναι πολύ καλή ιδέα.Nai, einai polý kalí idéa.Yes, that is a very good idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “joseph” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
