μαθαίνω
mathaíno/maˈθe.no/
The Greek verb for 'learn' is μαθαίνω (mathaíno).
The verb μαθαίνω is used both to describe acquiring a new skill or knowledge and to mean 'to find out' information, such as discovering a fact.
Meaning: to acquire knowledge or ability (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
While μαθαίνω is the verb, the noun for a lesson or a course of study is μάθημα and the abstract noun for the process of learning itself is μάθηση.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /maˈθe.no/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable: mathaíno.
Did you know?
- The ancient ancestor of this verb, μανθάνω, is the source of the name of many academic disciplines, such as 'mathematics' via the concept of learning and logic.
- The Greek root for 'learn' in μαθαίνω is the ancestor of the English word 'polymath', describing someone whose knowledge spans many different subjects.
- Greek uses the same root for 'learning' as it does for 'disciples' through the word μαθητής, which literally means 'a learner'.
Examples in context
- Μαθαίνω γλώσσες σαν χόμπι.I learn languages as a hobby.This sentence shows how to use μαθαίνω when discussing a hobby.Tatoeba #2365829 by mululatv, translation #1889849 by steve
- Μαθαίνω πολλά από τον πατέρα μου.I learn a lot from my father.This sentence demonstrates using μαθαίνω to express learning from someone.Tatoeba #4375633 by Tensai, translation #2055335 by Dejo
- Μου αρέσει να μαθαίνω ξένες γλώσσες.I like to learn foreign languages.This sentence shows μαθαίνω used with the phrase 'to like to learn'.Tatoeba #2652559 by glavkos, translation #7580784 by amoeba
- Μαθαίνω πολλές νέες λέξεις κάθε μέρα.I learn many new words every day.
- Είναι σημαντικό να μάθουμε νέες δεξιότητες για την εργασία μας.It is important to learn new skills for our work.
- Έχω μάθει να μην ανησυχώ για τα μικρά πράγματα.I have learned not to worry about small things.
- Ας μάθουμε να απολαμβάνουμε τη ζωή περισσότερο.Let's learn to enjoy life more.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their classes.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΤι μαθαίνεις στο σχολείο φέτος;Ti mathaineis sto scholeio fetos?What are you learning at school this year?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΜαθαίνω ιστορία και γεωγραφία.Mathaino istoria kai geografía.I am learning history and geography.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΕίναι δύσκολα τα μαθήματα;Einai dyskola ta mathimata?Are the lessons difficult?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΌχι, μου αρέσει να τα μαθαίνω.Ochi, mou aresei na ta mathaino.No, I like learning them.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “learn” translations and entries μαθαίνω, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
