χαρά
chará/xaˈɾa/feminine
The Greek word for joy is χαρά (chará).
χαρά is a feminine noun meaning a feeling of happiness. It can also be used as a female given name when written as Χαρά.
Meaning: feeling of happiness (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun χαρά is feminine. To express the possessive or a relationship such as 'of joy', use the genitive form χαράς, as seen in the phrase δάκρυα χαράς (tears of joy). To describe a person who is joyful or happy, you can use the derived adjective χαρούμενος.
How do you pronounce it?
chará
Did you know?
- The word χαρά is frequently personified in Greek poetry as a female entity or goddess who visits a person.
- The word χαρά can appear in various idioms where 'joy' is not just a feeling, but a gift or an unexpected occurrence, similar to a 'treat' in English.
- Greek speakers often start sentences with με μεγάλη χαρά (with great joy) to describe an action, where an English speaker would simply use the adverb 'happily'.
Examples in context
- Αυτό με γεμίζει χαρά.This fills me with joy.Tatoeba #3004804 by glavkos, translation #9317916 by Nylez
- Αυτά είναι δάκρυα χαράς.These are tears of joy.This sentence demonstrates the genitive form χαράς used to mean 'of joy'.Tatoeba #5507414 by Zeus, translation #3184602 by BraveSentry
- Αυτό μου φέρνει μεγάλη χαρά.It brings me great joy.Tatoeba #3741632 by carlosalberto, translation #1604910 by Spamster
- Η παρουσία σας με γεμίζει χαρά.Your presence fills me with joy.
- Ευχαριστούμε για την ευφροσύνη που μας δώσατε.Thank you for the joy you have given us.
- Η νίκη μας ήταν πηγή χαράς.Our victory was a source of joy.
- Σε βλέπω και μου 'ρχεται χαρούλα.I see you and I'm filled with joy.
- Η επιτυχία των παιδιών μου αγαλλίασε όλη την οικογένεια.My children's success brought joy to the whole family.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dimitris and Eleni are talking about a family gathering.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΌλη η οικογένεια είναι εδώ με χαρά.Óli i oikogéneia einai edó me chará.The whole family is here with joy.
- Ελένη EleniΠραγμάτι, η χαρά είναι τεράστια σήμερα.Pragmáti, i chará einai terástia símera.Indeed, the joy is huge today.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΕίναι ωραίο να βλέπω αυτή τη χαρά.Einai óraio na vlépo aftí ti chará.It is nice to see this joy.
- Ελένη EleniΝαι, Δημήτρη, είναι μια υπέροχη μέρα.Nai, Dimítri, einai mia ypérochi méra.Yes, Dimitris, it is a wonderful day.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “joy” translations and entries χαρά, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
