πολύ
polý/poˈli/
The Greek word for "much" is πολύ (polý).
The word πολύ is used to indicate a large amount or to mean "very". Unlike English, which distinguishes between "much" for uncountable amounts and "many" for countable amounts, the Greek adverb πολύ can be used for both, often functioning as "very" in phrases such as πολύ καλό (very good).
Meaning: a large amount of (det)
Which one should you use?
While πολύ is the standard way to express much or very, you may encounter Αρκετά, which is used to express that there is "quite a lot" or "enough" of something and Πληθώρα, which specifically expresses an "abundance" or "plenty" of something.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverb, πολύ is used to mean "much" or "very" and remains invariable, meaning it does not change its form regardless of what it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /poˈli/ (polý).
Did you know?
- In Greek, the word πολύ can be used in a sarcastic way to mean 'not at all' or 'hardly', depending on the tone of voice.
- The word πολύ is the root of the English prefix 'poly-', as seen in words like 'polyglot' or 'polygon'.
- The Greek word πολύ shares a common linguistic ancestor with the Mariupol Greek word пулы́, a dialect found in Ukraine.
Examples in context
- Σε αγαπώ τόσο πολύ.I love you so much.This sentence shows how to use πολύ to express the intensity of affection.Tatoeba #4704543 by chrysaarabatzi, translation #436795 by lukaszpp
- Δεν έχω πολύ όρεξη.I don't have much of an appetite.This sentence demonstrates using πολύ to describe a quantity of something like appetite.Tatoeba #7766752 by eypros, translation #7736682 by CK
- Μου αρέσει πολύ η πίτσα.I like pizza very much.This sentence illustrates using πολύ to express how much one likes something.Tatoeba #1561031 by glavkos, translation #28989 by CM
- Έχει πολύ ενδιαφέρον το βιβλίο.The book is very interesting.
- Υπάρχουν πολλά βιβλία στη βιβλιοθήκη.There are many books in the library.
- Το φαγητό ήταν πολύ νόστιμο.The food was very tasty.
- Έχω πολύ χρόνο αυτήν την εβδομάδα.I have much time this week.
- Πήρα αρκετά βιβλία από τη βιβλιοθήκη.I took quite a lot of books from the library.
- Έχεις πιάτα αρκετά για όλους;Do you have enough plates for everyone?
- 113 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nikos and Eleni are talking about a new restaurant.
- Νίκος NikosΈχει πολύ κόσμο εκεί.Échei polý kósmo ekí.There are many people there.
- Ελένη EleniΝαι, αλλά το φαγητό είναι εξαιρετικό.Nai, allá to fagitó eínai exairetikó.Yes, but the food is excellent.
- Νίκος NikosΘέλεις να πάμε αύριο;Théleis na páme ávrio;Do you want to go tomorrow?
- Ελένη EleniΦυσικά, μου αρέσει πολύ!Fysiká, mou arései polý!Of course, I like it a lot!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry πολύ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries πολύ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
