τύχη
týchi/ˈti.çi/feminine
In Greek, the word for luck is τύχη (týchi).
τύχη refers to something that happens to someone by chance. You can use the interjection Καλή τύχη! to say 'Good luck!' to someone, which is a common way to offer well wishes.
Meaning: something that happens to someone by chance (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun τύχη is feminine. When describing luck with an adjective, such as in the phrases for 'good luck' (καλή τύχη) or 'bad luck' (κακή τύχη), the adjective must be in its feminine form to agree with the noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈti.çi/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The Greek word τύχη shares a distant linguistic root with the English word 'dough'. Both originate from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning to be fit or to produce.
- When wishing someone luck, Greeks sometimes avoid saying Καλή τύχη! in certain superstitious contexts to avoid 'tempting fate', preferring more indirect well-wishes.
- Ancient Greek philosophers like Aristotle distinguished τύχη as the kind of luck that affects individuals, whereas HEIMARMENE referred to the immutable fate of the universe.
Examples in context
- Σου εύχομαι καλή τύχη.I wish you good luck.This sentence shows how to wish someone good luck using τύχη.Tatoeba #5414356 by Zeus, translation #54468 by CK
- Καλή τύχη στο να τον πείσεις.Good luck convincing him.This sentence uses the phrase for 'good luck' in a specific context.Tatoeba #7762722 by eypros, translation #1740679 by Spamster
- Μερικοί άνθρωποι πιστεύουν πως ο αριθμός δεκατρία φέρνει κακή τύχη.Some people believe that the number 13 brings bad luck.This sentence illustrates the use of 'bad luck' with τύχη.Tatoeba #2604255 by Zeus, translation #2604251 by patgfisher
- Καλή τύχη!Good luck!
- Καλή τύχη και καλή επιτυχίαGood luck and success!
- Σου εύχομαι καλή τύχη στις εξετάσεις.I wish you good luck in your exams.
- Καλή τύχη με τον αγώνα!Good luck with the competition!
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a lottery ticket.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΚυριακή, κέρδισα το λαχείο!Kyriakí, kérdisa to lachéio!Kyriaki, I won the lottery!
- Κυριακή KyriakiΤι τύχη είχες, Γιώργο!Ti týchi íches, Giórgo!What luck you had, Giorgos!
- Γιώργος GiorgosΟύτε εγώ δεν το πιστεύω.Oúte egó den to pistévo.I don't believe it either.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕίναι πραγματικά απίστευτη τύχη.Eínai pragmatiká apístevti týchi.It is truly unbelievable luck.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “luck” translations and entries τύχη, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries τύχη, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
