η σύζυγός μου
i syzygos mou
The English phrase my wife is translated into Greek as η σύζυγός μου (i syzygos mou).
This phrase refers to the woman to whom a person is married.
Which one should you use?
η σύζυγός μου is a more formal and official term, often used in legal or highly respectful contexts, whereas η γυναίκα μου is the standard colloquial term.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
η σύζυγός μου and Η σύζυγος μου mean my spouse in a formal register. While 'η σύζυγός μου' is correct, 'η γυναίκα μου' is the much more common, everyday way to say 'my wife' in Greek. Η γυναίκα μου η κουκλάρα means my lovely wife in an informal context.
How do you pronounce it?
i syzygos mou
Did you know?
- The formal word σύζυγος is gender-neutral and means 'spouse'. The only way to tell if the speaker is referring to a wife or a husband is by the article η for women and ο for men.
- While η σύζυγός μου is the formal term for 'my wife', the word σύζυγος literally means 'yoked together', referring to the bond of marriage.
- Using the term η γυναίκα μου is so standard that using η σύζυγός μου in a restaurant to introduce your partner might make the waiter think you are a diplomat or a lawyer.
Examples in context
- Η σύζυγός μου ήταν εκεί.My wife was there.This sentence is useful for stating that η σύζυγός μου was at a certain location.Tatoeba #5441159 by Zeus, translation #2267601 by _undertoad
- Η Μαίρη είναι η σύζυγός μου.Mary is my wife.This sentence is useful for identifying someone by name as η σύζυγός μου.Tatoeba #7854226 by janMiso, translation #4419624 by Hybrid
- Η σύζυγός μου είναι απ' τη Βοστώνη.My wife is from Boston.This sentence is useful for stating where η σύζυγός μου is from.Tatoeba #5618984 by Zeus, translation #3826145 by CK
- Σας παρουσιάζω τη σύζυγό μου, Μαρία.I introduce you to my wife, Maria.
- Είναι η γυναίκα μου, η κουκλάρα.This is my lovely wife.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kostas is introducing his wife to Maria at a party.
- Μαρία MariaΧαίρομαι που σε γνωρίζω, Κώστα.Chéromai pou se gnorízo, Kósta.I am glad to meet you, Kostas.
- Κώστας KostasΕυχαριστώ. Αυτή είναι η σύζυγός μου.Efcharistó. Avtí eínai i sýzygós mou.Thank you. This is my wife.
- Μαρία MariaΓεια σας! Είναι χαρά μου.Geiá sas! Eínai chará mou.Hello! It is my pleasure.
- Κώστας KostasΕίναι πολύ ευγενική η Μαρία.Eínai polý evgenikí i María.Maria is very polite.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
