αργότερα
argótera/aɾˈɣoteɾa/
In Greek, the English word "later" is expressed as αργότερα (argótera).
The word αργότερα is an adverb used to describe something happening afterward in time.
Meaning: afterward in time (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is the comparative form of the adverb αργά (early/late), so it literally means "more late".
Which one should you use?
Use αργά to mean "late" (for example, "it is late") and use αργότερα to mean "later" (for example, "I will do it later").
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverb, αργότερα does not change its form based on the gender or number of the subject or object it refers to.
How do you pronounce it?
/aɾˈɣoteɾa/. The romanization is argótera.
Did you know?
- In Greek, 'late' and 'slow' share the same linguistic root, meaning that when you say someone is arriving αργά, you are describing both their timing and their speed.
- Using αργότερα in a professional context can sometimes be interpreted as a polite way of saying 'not now' or 'not at all'. It is often used to soften a refusal without saying 'no'.
- If you want to say someone is 'late' because they are delayed, you should avoid αργός and instead use καθυστερημένος. Using the root of αργότερα to describe a person's delay can mistakenly imply they are simply a slow-moving person.
Examples in context
- Θα σε δω αργότερα.I'll see you later.Tatoeba #5612961 by Zeus, translation #32706 by CK
- Θα σου πω αργότερα.I'll tell you later.Tatoeba #5613304 by Zeus, translation #2548286 by CK
- Θα τον δούμε αργότερα.We'll see him later.Tatoeba #5574345 by Zeus, translation #3910259 by CH
- Θα συζητήσουμε το θέμα αργότερα.We will discuss the matter later.
- Γεια σου, τα λέμε αργότερα!Hi, we'll talk later!
- Είσαι έξω. Οκέι, θα τα πούμε σε λίγο.Are you out? Okay, we'll see each other in a bit.
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Nikos are discussing their plans for the day.
- Ελένη EleniΘα πάμε για καφέ αργότερα;Tha pame gia kafe argotera?Will we go for coffee later?
- Νίκος NikosΝαι, μετά τη δουλειά.Nai, meta ti douleia.Yes, after work.
- Ελένη EleniΤέλεια, θα σε καλέσω τότε.Teleia, tha se kaleso tote.Great, I will call you then.
- Νίκος NikosΕντάξει, τα λέμε αργότερα.Entaxei, ta leme argotera.Okay, we'll talk later.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “later” translations and entries αργότερα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
