φεύγω
févgo/ˈfe.vɣo/
The English phrase 'leave' can be translated into Greek as φεύγω (févgo).
The verb φεύγω is used to mean to depart or go away. It is an intransitive verb, meaning it describes the act of departing itself. It is not used for the sense of 'leaving something behind,' such as leaving a bag or leaving a person in a certain state.
Meaning: to depart (intransitive) (verb)
Which one should you use?
φεύγω specifically expresses the act of departing. For the sense of 'leaving behind' an object, a different verb or construction would be required in Greek.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form φεύγω is the first-person singular present indicative, meaning 'I leave'. Other forms include φεύγεις, which is the second-person singular present meaning 'you leave' and φεύγει, which is the third-person singular present meaning 'he/she/it leaves'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈfe.vɣo/ (févgo). It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The Greek word φεύγω is an ancient relative of the English word 'fugitive', both sharing the same Indo-European root describing the act of running away.
- In modern Greek social contexts, saying φεύγω can be a sudden announcement. To be more polite, Greeks often use phrases that imply 'I must take my leave' rather than the direct verb.
Examples in context
- πότε φεύγει;When does it leave?This sentence is useful for asking when a third-person subject, such as a person or a thing, φεύγει.
- Πότε φεύγω από την πόλη;Pote fevgo apo tin poli;When am I leaving the city?
Example conversation
Dimitris and Kyriaki are at a party.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΕίναι αργά, φεύγω τώρα.Eínai argá, févgo tóra.It is late, I am leaving now.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΘέλεις να σε συνοδεύσω;Théleis na se synodévso?Do you want me to walk with you?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΌχι, θα πάω με το ταξί.Óchi, tha páo me to taxí.No, I will take a taxi.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕντάξει, Δημήτρη, καλό δρόμο!Entáxei, Dimítri, kaló drómo!Alright, Dimitris, have a safe trip!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “leave” translations and entries φεύγω, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries φεύγω, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
