ο αδερφός μου
o aderfos mou
In Greek, 'my brother' is expressed as ο αδερφός μου (o aderfos mou).
The phrase is used to refer to a male sibling of the speaker. While the term Αδελφός is the most general and widely-used word for 'brother', using the form Αδερφός μου can convey a sense of endearment.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ο αδερφός μου is composed of the definite article ο (the), the noun αδερφός (brother) and the possessive pronoun μου (of me).
Which one should you use?
Unlike English, the Greek phrase includes the definite article ο at the beginning when the phrase is used as a subject.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing possession or relationship (for example, 'the car of my brother'), the phrase changes to the genitive case: του αδελφού μου.
How do you pronounce it?
o aderfos mou
Did you know?
- In Greek, the word for 'brother' is used in the expression είμαστε αδέρφια, which means 'we are brothers' but is used by any group of siblings regardless of gender.
- The term αδερφός is the root for the English word 'adelphic', which describes things that are similar or brotherly in nature.
- While it means 'my brother', calling a close male friend αδερφός μου is a common way to signal intense brotherhood and loyalty in Greek social circles.
Examples in context
- Ο αδερφός μου ακόμη κοιμάται.My brother is still sleeping.This sentence shows how to use ο αδερφός μου to describe a current state.Tatoeba #5633271 by Zeus, translation #278549 by CK
- Ο αδερφός μου ζει στη Βοστώνη.My brother is living in Boston.This sentence shows how to use ο αδερφός μου to describe a place of residence.Tatoeba #5619013 by Zeus, translation #3024061 by CK
- Ο αδερφός μου ζει στο εξωτερικό.My brother lives abroad.This sentence shows how to use ο αδερφός μου to describe living abroad.Tatoeba #5365828 by Zeus, translation #8673454 by Ergulis
- Ο αδελφός μου είναι πολύ ψηλός.My brother is very tall.
- Ο αδερφός μου πήγε στην Αθήνα.My brother went to Athens.
- Ο αδερφάκος μου είναι ο καλύτερός μου φίλος.My little brother is my best friend.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kyriaki is introducing her family to Giorgos.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΑυτός είναι ο αδερφός μου.Aftós eínai o aderfós mou.This is my brother.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΧαίρομαι πολύ που τον γνωρίζω.Chaíromai polý pou ton gnōrízō.I am very glad to meet him.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΟ αδερφός μου είναι γιατρός.O aderfós mou eínai giatrós.My brother is a doctor.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕίναι πολύ εντυπωσιακό!Eínai polý entypsiasiakó!That is very impressive!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
