φως
fos/ˈfos/neuter
The Greek word for light is φως (fos).
φως is used to refer to light as a physical phenomenon. When you want to say 'to turn off the light', Greek speakers use the verb σβήνω (to extinguish) rather than a verb for 'turning', resulting in the phrase σβήνω το φως. Conversely, to 'turn on the light', you use the verb ανάβω (to light or ignite), resulting in ανάβω το φως.
Meaning: visible light, brightness (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
φως is a neuter noun, which means it is used with the neuter definite article το (το φως).
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈfos/ (fos).
Did you know?
- The Greek word φως is the root of the English word 'photon' and the scientific prefix 'photo-' as in 'photography'.
- Greek uses the verb σβήνω to turn off the φως, which is the same verb used to describe a fire going out or a person fainting.
- The Greek word φως shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'burn', both stemming from a root meaning to 'shine'.
Examples in context
- Μη σβήσεις το φως.Don't turn the light off.This sentence is useful for practicing the command to not turn off the φως.Tatoeba #3450480 by Zeus, translation #2940548 by astyng
- Ξέχασε να σβήσει το φως.He forgot to turn off the light.This sentence shows how to express that someone forgot to turn off the φως.Tatoeba #3235390 by Zeus, translation #301809 by CK
- Το φως λάμπει στο σκοτάδι.The light shines in the dark.This sentence demonstrates the use of φως in a descriptive context.Tatoeba #2998345 by mululatv, translation #9080529 by Nylez
- Χρειάζομαι φως για να μπορώ να διαβάσω το βιβλίο.I need light to be able to read the book.
- Άναψε το φωτάκι για να δημιουργήσουμε ατμόσφαιρα.Turn on the little light to create an atmosphere.
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ελένη and Κώστας are sitting in a living room during a power outage.
- Ελένη EleniΔεν υπάρχει καθόλου φως εδώ.Den ypárche kathólou fos edó.There is no light at all here.
- Κώστας KostasΘα βρω ένα φως με μπαταρία.Tha vro éna fos me bataría.I will find a battery-powered light.
- Ελένη EleniΒρες γρήγορα το φως, Κώστα.Vres grígora to fos, Kósta.Find the light quickly, Kostas.
- Κώστας KostasΕδώ είναι το φως.Edó eínai to fos.Here is the light.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “light” translations and entries φως, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries φως, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
