ηγέτης
igétismasculine
The English word leader is translated into Greek as ηγέτης (igétis) or αρχηγός.
Meaning: one having authority (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ηγέτης | igétis | masculine | |
| αρχηγός | archigós | /aɾçiˈɣos/ | masculine |
Both words refer to someone who has authority, but they are applied to different types of leadership.
What does it mean word for word?
The word αρχηγός is composed of the prefix αρχι-, meaning 'chief' or 'primary' and the root –ηγός, meaning 'one who leads'.
Which one should you use?
While both mean leader, ηγέτης is typically used for a political, social or ideological leader. In contrast, αρχηγός functions as a way to express a chief or head.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural, use ηγέτες for the form ηγέτης and αρχηγοί for the form αρχηγός.
How do you pronounce it?
igétis
Did you know?
- The word αρχηγός shares a common root with the English word 'archive', as both stems relate to the concept of a 'beginning' or 'origin'.
- While ηγέτης is the standard term for a 'political leader', the word αρχηγός is frequently used in sports to refer to a 'team captain'.
- In modern Greek, using αρχηγός to describe a person can sometimes carry a slightly more informal or even criminal connotation, like a 'ringleader', compared to the more dignified ηγέτης.
Examples in context
- Ο αρχηγός μας έχει πολλές αρετές.Our leader has many virtues.This sentence uses αρχηγός to describe the virtues of a leader.Tatoeba #11575713 by carlosalberto, translation #11575703 by carlosalberto
- To να είσαι καλός ιππέας δεν αρκεί για να είσαι καλός ηγέτης.Being a good horseman doesn't suffice in order to be a good leader.This sentence uses ηγέτης to discuss the qualities required to be a leader.Tatoeba #9408941 by Nylez, translation #9920915 by Nylez
- Δεν θα πας φυλακή αν μας πεις πού έχει κρυφτεί ο αρχηγός σου.You will not go to prison if you tell us where your leader has hidden.This sentence uses αρχηγός to refer to a leader who is in hiding.Tatoeba #11492440 by carlosalberto, translation #11492427 by carlosalberto
- Ο ηγέτης της ομάδας ενέπνευσε τους υπόλοιπους με την ομιλία του.The leader of the team inspired the others with his speech.
- Ο αρχηγός της πολιτείας προασπίζει τα δικαιώματα των πολιτών.The leader of the state defends the rights of citizens.
- Ο διοικητής της εταιρείας παρουσίασε το σχέδιο ανάπτυξης.The leader of the company presented the development plan.
Example conversation
Maria and Kostas are discussing a political candidate.
- Μαρία MariaΘέλεις να γίνεις ηγέτης;Theleis na gineis igetis;Do you want to become a leader?
- Κώστας KostasΔεν νομίζω ότι είμαι κατάλληλος ηγέτης.Den nomizo oti eimai katallilos igetis.I don't think I am a suitable leader.
- Μαρία MariaΕίσαι πολύ καλός ηγέτης για μας.Eisai poly kalos igetis gia mas.You are a very good leader for us.
- Κώστας KostasΕυχαριστώ για τα καλά σου λόγια.Efcharisto gia ta kala sou logia.Thank you for your kind words.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “leader” translations and entries ηγέτης, αρχηγός, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries αρχηγός, ηγέτης, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
