Μιχαήλ
Michaḯl/mixaˈil/masculine
The English name Michael is translated into Greek as Μιχαήλ (Michaḯl). Wiktionary also lists Μιχάλης (Michális).
Meaning: male given name (name)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Μιχαήλ | Michaḯl | /mixaˈil/ | masculine |
| Μιχάλης | Michális | /miˈxalis/ | masculine |
Μιχαήλ is used in religious settings and in official documentation.
Which one should you use?
Μιχαήλ is the formal or ecclesiastical version of the name, whereas Μιχάλης is the common diminutive or colloquial form.
How do you pronounce it?
Michaḯl is pronounced /mixaˈil/.
Did you know?
- The name Μιχαήλ comes from the Biblical Hebrew word for 'Who is like God?', phrased as a rhetorical question implying that no one is.
- In Greece, names are often tied to the Orthodox calendar, and many people celebrate their 'name day' on the feast day of Saint 'Michael' rather than their actual birthday.
- The common name Μιχάλης is actually a metathesis of Μιχαήλ, meaning the sounds in the middle of the word shifted positions over time to make it easier to say.
Examples in context
- Κύριε Μιχάλη, θα θέλαμε να σας παρουσιάσουμε τον κύριο Σμίθ.Sir Michael, we would like to introduce you to Mr. Smith.
- Μιχάλη, βρεθούμε σήμερα το βράδυ για καφέ;Michael, shall we meet tonight for coffee?
- Μιχάλο, πώς περνάς;Michael, how are you?
- Ο Μιχαήλ είναι πολύ καλός φίλος μου.O Michail einai poly kalos filos mou.Michael is a very good friend of mine.
- Πρέπει να καλέσουμε τον Μιχαήλ τώρα.Prepei na kalesoume ton Michail tora.We must call Michael now.
Example conversation
Anastasia and Dimitris are talking about a mutual friend.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΈχεις δει τον Μιχαήλ τελευταία;Echeis dei ton Michail teleftaia?Have you seen Michael lately?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΌχι, δεν τον έχω δει εδώ μια εβδομάδα.Ochi, den ton echo dei edo mia evdomada.No, I haven't seen him for a week.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΠρέπει να τον καλέσουμε για καφέ.Prepei na ton kalesoume gia kafe.We should invite him for coffee.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΣυμφωνώ, θα του στείλω ένα μήνυμα τώρα.Symfono, tha tou steilo ena mynima tora.I agree, I will send him a message now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “michael” translations and entries Μιχαήλ, Μιχάλης, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Μιχάλης, Μιχαήλ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
