ζωή
zoḯ/zoˈi/feminine
In Greek, 'life' can be expressed as ζωή (zoḯ) or βίος.
Meaning: the state of being alive (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ζωή | zoḯ | /zoˈi/ | feminine |
| βίος | víos | /ˈvi.os/ | masculine |
The word is used to describe the state of being alive.
Which one should you use?
ζωή is the standard term for life in a general, biological or philosophical sense. In contrast, βίος is used specifically to refer to a person's lifespan, a biography or a way of living.
How does it change in a sentence?
The genitive singular form of ζωή is used to express possession or 'of life', appearing as ζωής or more commonly ζωή.
How do you pronounce it?
/zoˈi/
Did you know?
- The word βίος also means 'means of support' or 'wealth' in certain contexts, linking a person's life to their financial resources.
- In Greek, the phrase ζωή μου literally means 'my life' but is frequently used as a deeply affectionate term of endearment for a child or partner.
- The distinction between ζωή and βίος mirrors the ancient distinction between 'bios' and 'zoe' in Western philosophy, where the former often refers to the social or political life.
Examples in context
- Η ζωή είν' ωραία.Life is beautiful.This sentence shows the use of ζωή to describe how life is.Tatoeba #5379784 by Zeus, translation #1829 by CK
- Η ζωή είναι ωραία.Life is wonderful.Tatoeba #1833658 by glavkos, translation #2052016 by Dejo
- Η ζωή είναι άδικη.Life is unfair.Tatoeba #5577404 by Zeus, translation #620095 by ulyssemc1
- Η ζωή είναι πολύτιμη.Life is precious.
- Ο ποιητής διηγείται για τον βίο του.The poet narrates about his life.
- Η παραλία είναι γεμάτη ζωή το καλοκαίρι.The beach is full of life during the summer.
- 124 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Kostas are discussing their goals for the future.
- Μαρία MariaΘέλω να αλλάξω τη ζωή μου.Thélo na alláxo ti zoí mou.I want to change my life.
- Κώστας KostasΓιατί θέλεις να το κάνεις αυτό;Giatí thélis na to káneis aftó?Why do you want to do that?
- Μαρία MariaΗ ζωή είναι πολύ σύντομη για να περιμένω.I zoí eínai polý sýntomi gia na periméno.Life is too short to wait.
- Κώστας KostasΈχεις δίκιο, Μαρία.Écheis díkio, María.You are right, Maria.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “life” translations and entries ζωή, βίος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
