φιλί
filí/fiˈli/neuter
The English word kiss is translated into Greek as φιλί (filí). Wiktionary also lists ασπασμός (aspasmós).
Meaning: a touch with the lips (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| φιλί | filí | /fiˈli/ | neuter |
| ασπασμός | aspasmós | masculine |
A kiss is a touch with the lips. The phrase φιλί στο μάγουλο is the standard way to describe a platonic kiss on the cheek common in Greek social greetings.
Which one should you use?
φιλί is the common, everyday term for a kiss. In contrast, ασπασμός is used in formal contexts, such as religious or highly literary settings and can imply a more ceremonial greeting or embrace.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The neuter noun φιλί becomes φιλιά in its plural form. The masculine noun ασπασμός becomes ασπασμοί in its plural form. Related verbs include φιλώ and ασπάζομαι (to touch each other's lips) and ακροφιλώ (to touch lightly).
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is filí and the IPA is /fiˈli/.
Did you know?
- The verb φιλώ is the ancestor of the English word 'philosophy', which literally means 'the love of wisdom'.
- The verb φιλέω is the ancestor of the English word 'philanthropy', which literally translates to 'love of mankind'.
- In some traditional Greek contexts, an ασπασμός may involve a full embrace and a kiss, making the word a hybrid of a hug and a kiss.
Examples in context
- Δώσ' του ένα φιλί.Give him a kiss.This sentence shows how to use the form φιλί to express giving a kiss.Tatoeba #5574752 by Zeus, translation #3915889 by CH
- Ηταν μόνο ένα φιλί στο μάγουλοIt was only a kiss on the cheek.This sentence uses the form φιλί to describe a kiss on the cheek.Tatoeba #4265919 by dora98, translation #4265772 by patgfisher
- Ο Τομ έδωσε ένα φιλί στη Μαίρη.Tom gave Mary a kiss.This sentence demonstrates using the form φιλί in a simple sentence about giving a kiss.Tatoeba #5454540 by Zeus, translation #2547603 by CK
- Γεια σου, Μαρία! Έλα να σου δώσω ένα φιλάκι!Hi, Maria! Come here so I can give you a little kiss!
- Σ'αγαπάω πολύ, γλυκιά μου. Πολλά φιλιά!I love you very much, my sweet. Many kisses!
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Giorgos are saying goodbye at the station.
- Μαρία MariaΈνα φιλί πριν φύγεις;Ena fili prin fygeis;A kiss before you leave?
- Γιώργος GiorgosΦυσικά, Μαρία μου.Fysika, Maria mou.Of course, my Maria.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΔώσε μου ένα φιλί.Dose mou ena fili.Give me a kiss.
- Μαρία MariaΣε αγαπώ, Γιώργο.Se agapo, Giorgo.I love you, Giorgos.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kiss” translations and entries φιλί, ασπασμός, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ασπασμός, φιλί, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
