κύριος
kýrios/ˈci.ɾi.os/masculine
The Greek word for "mister" is κύριος (kýrios).
κύριος is used as a formal title for an adult male. In a social context, it functions as "Mister", but it is also the word used for "Lord" in religious contexts.
Meaning: title of adult male (noun)
Which one should you use?
κύριος is the standard form, while κύριοι is the plural form used when addressing a group of people formally.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes depending on its role in a sentence. When addressing a man directly, such as in "Excuse me, Mister", use the vocative form κύριε. When used with a surname to indicate possession or in certain formal constructions (such as "of Mr. Smith"), use the genitive form κυρίου.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as /ˈci.ɾi.os/. It has three syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the nominative κύριος when a name follows. In many formal Greek constructions, such as "of Mr. Smith", you must use the genitive κυρίου instead.
Did you know?
- The word κύριος can function as both a noun meaning 'gentleman' and an adjective meaning 'main' or 'principal', such as in 'main road'.
- The Greek word κύριος is a semantic loan from the French 'monsieur' and Italian 'signore', adopting their role as a formal title for men.
- While κύριος is the formal title, Greeks often use it combined with a first name in professional settings, which differs from the English 'Mr.' usually paired with surnames.
Examples in context
- Καλημέρα, κύριε Παπαδόπουλε. Πώς είστε σήμερα;Good morning, Mr. Papadopoulos. How are you today?
- Πώς περάσατε, κύριε Σταμάτη;How have you been, Mr. Stamatis?
- Καλησπέρα, κύριοι και κυρίες.Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.
Example conversation
Anastasia is asking Dimitris about a new client at the office.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΠοιος είναι αυτός ο κύριος;Poíos eínai aftós o kýrios;Who is this gentleman?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΕίναι ο κύριος Παναγιώτης.Eínai o kýrios Panagíotis.He is Mr. Panagiotis.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΕίναι ο νέος πελάτης μας;Eínai o néos pelátis mas;Is he our new client?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΝαι, ο κύριος Παναγιώτης έρχεται σήμερα.Ne, o kýrios Panagíotis érchetai símera.Yes, Mr. Panagiotis is coming today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mister” translations and entries κύριος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries κύριος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
