αστραπή
astrapí/a.stɾaˈpi/feminine
In Greek, lightning is expressed as αστραπή (astrapí) or κεραυνός.
Meaning: discharge (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| αστραπή | astrapí | /a.stɾaˈpi/ | feminine |
| κεραυνός | keravnós | /ce.raˈvnos/ | masculine |
The term refers to the electrical discharge in the atmosphere. You can use the related adjectives αστραπιαίος and κεραυνοβόλος to describe something that is extremely fast, such as something moving with the speed of lightning.
Which one should you use?
While both words refer to lightning, αστραπή typically refers to the visual flash of light. In contrast, κεραυνός often implies the entire phenomenon, including the thunder or the actual strike itself.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'of lightning' using the feminine form, use the genitive αστραπής.
How do you pronounce it?
The word astrapí is pronounced /a.stɾaˈpi/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- While αστραπή refers to the light, the word κεραυνός has been used in French to describe a lightning strike, which was then loaned back into Greek in certain figurative senses.
- The adjective κεραυνοβόλος is often used figuratively in Greek to describe a sudden, shocking piece of news that feels like a bolt from the blue.
- The word αστραπιαίος can describe not just speed, but also a sudden and brief flash of temper or anger.
Examples in context
- Είμαι στο νοσοκομείο. Με χτύπησε κεραυνός.I'm at the hospital. I got struck by lightning.This sentence uses κεραυνός to describe being struck by lightning.Tatoeba #7796317 by janMiso, translation #1850 by Swift
- Ο κεραυνός μπορεί πραγματικά να είναι επικίνδυνος.Lightning can really be dangerous.This sentence uses κεραυνός to discuss how lightning can be dangerous.Tatoeba #12188463 by carlosalberto, translation #12188446 by carlosalberto
Example conversation
Two people are watching a storm from a window.
- Ελένη EleniΚοίτα, Κώστα, μια αστραπή!Koíta, Kósta, mia astrapí!Look, Kostas, a flash of lightning!
- Κώστας KostasΠραγμάτως, ήταν πολύ φωτεινή.Pragmátos, ítan polý fotiní.Indeed, it was very bright.
- Ελένη EleniΠιστεύεις ότι θα βρέξει τώρα;Pistéveis óti tha vréxei tóra?Do you think it will rain now?
- Κώστας KostasΝαι, η καταιγίδα πλησιάζει.Nai, i kataigída plisiázei.Yes, the storm is approaching.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lightning” translations and entries αστραπή, κεραυνός, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries αστραπή, κεραυνός, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
