τεμπέλης
tempélis[tɛˈbɛlis]
The Greek word for lazy is τεμπέλης (tempélis).
The adjective τεμπέλης is used to describe someone who is unwilling to work.
Meaning: unwilling to work (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form changes depending on its role in a sentence. While τεμπέλης is the standard masculine form, it changes to τεμπέλη when it is the direct object of a verb. To refer to multiple lazy men, use the masculine plural form τεμπέληδες.
How do you pronounce it?
tempélis
Did you know?
- The word τεμπέλης is not originally Greek but was borrowed from the Turkish word 'tembel', which in turn came from Persian.
- In Greek folklore, a τεμπέλης is often a clever character in fables who uses absurd shortcuts to avoid labor rather than just being idle.
- Among very close friends or family, calling someone a τεμπέλης can actually be a form of affectionate teasing rather than a genuine insult.
Examples in context
- Ο Τομ είναι τεμπέλης.Tom is lazy.This sentence shows how to use τεμπέλης to describe a person.Tatoeba #5457639 by Zeus, translation #1024975 by CK
- Ο γάτος είναι τεμπέλης.The cat is lazy.This sentence shows how to use τεμπέλης to describe an animal.Tatoeba #7776541 by amoeba, translation #2030110 by Spamster
- Ο σύζυγός μου είναι τεμπέλης.My husband is lazy.This sentence shows how to use τεμπέλης to describe a husband.Tatoeba #5562065 by Zeus, translation #1855066 by Spamster
- Αυτός είναι πάντα τεμπέλης.He is always lazy.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anastasia and Kostas are discussing their brother's habits.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΓιατί δεν καθαρίζει το δωμάτιό του;Giati den katharizei to domatio tou?Why isn't he cleaning his room?
- Κώστας KostasΕίναι πολύ τεμπέλης σήμερα.Einai poly tempelis simera.He is very lazy today.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΠρέπει να τον βοηθήσουμε.Prepei na ton voithisoume.We should help him.
- Κώστας KostasΌχι, ας τον αφήσουμε έτσι.Ochi, as ton afisoume etsi.No, let's leave him be.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lazy” translations and entries τεμπέλης, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries τεμπέλης, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
