λεφτά
leftá/leˈfta/neuter, plural
The English word 'money' is translated into Greek using several forms, most commonly λεφτά (leftá). Wiktionary also lists νόμισμα (nómisma) and χρήματα (chrímata).
Meaning: currency (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| λεφτά | leftá | /leˈfta/ | neuter, plural |
| νόμισμα | nómisma | neuter | |
| χρήματα | chrímata | /ˈxri.ma.ta/ | neuter, plural |
| χρήμα | chríma | /ˈxri.ma/ | neuter |
| μετρητά | metritá | neuter, plural |
Greek uses different words for money depending on whether you are referring to general wealth, physical cash or a specific unit of currency.
Which one should you use?
While λεφτά is the standard way to refer to money, χρήματα is a more formal or official term. If you are talking specifically about physical cash, use μετρητά. For a technical sense, such as a single coin or a specific legal tender/currency unit, use νόμισμα.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word λεφτά is a plural noun and is almost always used in its plural form when referring to money in general.
How do you pronounce it?
/leˈfta/
Did you know?
- The common word λεφτά comes from λεπτόν, which was a tiny copper coin in Ancient Greece. It is similar to how English speakers might use 'pennies' to refer to money in general.
- The phrase δεν έχω λεφτά is often used as a social excuse to avoid an invitation, even if the speaker is not actually broke.
- The word νόμισμα is the ancestor of the English word 'numismatics', which is the formal study or collection of currency.
Examples in context
- Ο Τομ έχει λεφτά.Tom has money.This sentence shows how to state that someone possesses λεφτά.Tatoeba #5593211 by Zeus, translation #2244678 by CK
- Πού 'ναι τα λεφτά;Where's the money?This sentence is useful for asking for the location of λεφτά.Tatoeba #5585787 by Zeus, translation #1209941 by Scott
- Θέλω τα λεφτά μου.I want my money.This sentence is used to express a desire for one's own λεφτά.Tatoeba #5615547 by Zeus, translation #2011306 by CK
- Πόσα χρήματα έχετε;How much money do you have?
- Το χρήμα δεν φέρνει ευτυχία.Money doesn't bring happiness.
- Χρειάζομαι χρήματα για να πάω διακοπές.I need money to go on vacation.
- Έχεις φράγκα;Do you have money?
- 225 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Nikos are deciding how to pay for dinner.
- Μαρία MariaΈχεις αρκετά λεφτά για το φαγητό;Écheis arketá leftá gia to fagito?Do you have enough money for the food?
- Νίκος NikosΌχι, ξέχασα το πορτοφόλι μου.Óchi, xéchasa to portofóli mou.No, I forgot my wallet.
- Μαρία MariaΜη ανησυχείς, έχω εγώ τα λεφτά.Mi anisychéis, écho egó ta leftá.Don't worry, I have the money.
- Νίκος NikosΕυχαριστώ πολύ, Μαρία!Efcharistó polý, María!Thank you very much, Maria!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “money” translations and entries λεφτά, νόμισμα, χρήματα, χρήμα, μετρητά, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries λεφτά, νόμισμα, χρήμα, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
