κυρία
kyría/ciˈɾia/feminine
The Greek word for madam is κυρία (kyría).
κυρία is a polite term used to address a woman. It can be used on its own as a respectful way to say madam, or it can be used with a surname to function like the English titles 'Mrs.' or 'Ms.'
Meaning: polite term of address to a woman (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The form κυρία is the nominative singular form, which is used when the word acts as the subject of a sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is kyría.
Did you know?
- The term κυρία can be used sarcastically in Greek to address someone who is acting overly entitled or 'high and mighty'.
- In modern Greek, calling a young woman κυρία can sometimes be perceived as making her feel old, as it is heavily associated with maturity.
- The Greek term κυρία is etymologically linked to the concept of 'lord' or 'master' in many ancient linguistic contexts, emphasizing status.
Examples in context
- Γεια σας, κυρία.Geia sas, kyria.Hello, madam.
- Αυτή η κυρία είναι η δασκάλα μου.Afti i kyria einai i daskala mou.This lady is my teacher.
- Η κυρία στο γραφείο είναι πολύ ευγενική.I kyria sto grafeio einai poly evgeniki.The lady at the office is very polite.
Example conversation
A man is helping a woman in a store.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΤι χρειάζεστε, κυρία;Ti chreiazeste, kyria?What do you need, madam?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΨάχνω ένα βιβλίο.Psachno ena vivlio.I am looking for a book.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΑκολουθήστε με, κυρία.Akolouthiste me, kyria.Follow me, madam.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕυχαριστώ πολύ, Γιώργο.Efcharisto poly, Giorgo.Thank you very much, Giorgos.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “madam” translations and entries κυρία, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries κυρία, CC BY-SA 4.0.
