ψεύτης
pséftis/ˈpse.ftis/masculine
The Greek word for "liar" is ψεύτης (pséftis). Wiktionary also lists ψεύτρα (pséftra).
Meaning: one who tells lies (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ψεύτης | pséftis | /ˈpse.ftis/ | masculine |
| ψεύτρα | pséftra | /ˈpse.ftɾa/ /tim‿ˈbze.ftɾa/ |
feminine |
The word refers to a person who tells lies.
Which one should you use?
Unlike English, where "liar" is gender-neutral, Greek uses different nouns depending on the gender of the person being described. Use ψεύτης for a male and ψεύτρα for a female.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form ψεύτης is used when referring to a male liar, while the form ψεύτρα is used when referring to a female liar.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈpse.ftis/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In Greek, the word ψεύδος meaning 'lie' is the basis for the English prefix 'pseudo-'. This prefix is used to describe things that are fake or sham.
- The term can be used both as a harsh insult and in a more playful, hyperbolic way among friends to describe someone who is 'exaggerating' or 'telling tall tales'.
- Greek has a specific word ψευδολόγος that also means 'liar'. While ψεύτης is a general term, ψευδολόγος specifically emphasizes the act of speaking lies.
Examples in context
- Ο Τομ δεν είναι ψεύτης.Tom is not a liar.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is not a ψεύτης.Tatoeba #5506359 by Zeus, translation #3442235 by CK
- Είσαι ο χειρότερος ψεύτης στον κόσμο.You're the worst liar in the world.This sentence is useful for describing someone as the worst ψεύτης in the world.Tatoeba #4357280 by Tensai, translation #2835619 by CK
- Είσαι ψεύτρα.You're a liar.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is a ψεύτρα.Tatoeba #5506906 by Zeus, translation #1895634 by CK
- Αυτός είναι ένας ψεύτης.He is a liar.
- Αυτή είναι μια ψεύτρα.She is a liar.
- Μην τους πιστεύεις, είναι ψεύτες.Don't believe them, they're liars.
- Μην την πιστεύεις, είναι μια ψεύτρα.Don't believe her, she is a liar.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giorgos and Kyriaki are arguing about a secret.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΓιατί με κοιτάς έτσι;Giati me kitas etsi?Why are you looking at me like that?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΞέρω ότι είσαι ψεύτης, Γιώργο.Ksero oti eisai pseftis, Giorgo.I know that you are a liar, Giorgos.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΔεν λέω ψέματα!Den leo psemata!I am not lying!
- Κυριακή KyriakiΜην προσπαθείς να με ξεγελάσεις.Min prospatheis na me xegelaseis.Don't try to fool me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “liar” translations and entries ψεύτης, ψεύτρα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
