πηδάω
pidáo/piˈða.o/
To jump in Greek is expressed by the verb πηδάω (pidáo). Wiktionary also lists σαλτάρω (saltáro).
Meaning: propel oneself rapidly upward such that momentum causes the body to become airborne (verb)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| πηδάω | pidáo | /piˈða.o/ |
| σαλτάρω | saltáro | /salˈta.ɾo/ |
The primary meaning is to propel oneself rapidly upward such that momentum causes the body to become airborne. While the verbs are used for the action, the noun άλμα is the standard way to describe a specific instance of a jump or a leap.
Which one should you use?
There are two main verbs for jumping: πηδάω and σαλτάρω. For the noun, άλμα and αναπήδηση can both be used to refer to the act of jumping.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb πηδάω is a first-conjugation verb, which means its present tense endings follow the –ω pattern.
How do you pronounce it?
It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word σαλτάρω is a loanword from the Italian 'saltare'.
- The noun άλμα is used in Greek to describe a 'quantum leap' in science, translating the concept of a sudden, discrete change in energy levels.
- In some Greek dialects, σαλτάρω can be used to describe the act of skipping a page in a book or a step in a process.
Examples in context
- Μπορείς να πηδήξεις;Can you jump?
- Κάνε άλματαDo jumps
- Πηδάω πολύ ψηλά.Pihádo polí psilá.I jump very high.
Example conversation
Nikos and Maria are at a playground.
- Νίκος NikosΚοίτα πώς πηδάω!Koíta pós pidáo!Look how I jump!
- Μαρία MariaΠροσεχέ, Νίκο, μην πέσεις.Proseché, Níko, min péseis.Be careful, Nikos, don't fall.
- Νίκος NikosΜπορείς να πηδάω εσύ κι εσύ;Boréis na pidáo esý ki esý?Can you jump too?
- Μαρία MariaΝαι, ας πηδήξουμε μαζί.Nai, as pidhýxoume mazí.Yes, let's jump together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “jump” translations and entries πηδάω, σαλτάρω, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries πηδάω, σαλτάρω, CC BY-SA 4.0.
