How to Say "Naughty" in Greek

άτακτος

átaktos

The Greek word for naughty is άτακτος (átaktos).

άτακτος is an adjective used to describe someone who is bad or tends to misbehave and act badly.

Meaning: bad, tending to misbehave or act badly (adj)

What does it mean word for word?

The word is derived from a root meaning 'order' or 'arrangement', literally implying someone who is 'out of order' or unruly.

How does it change in a sentence?

The adjective changes its ending based on the gender and number of the person being described. Use άτακτη for a female person or a feminine noun, and άτακτο for a neuter noun. For a group of males or a mixed-gender group, use the plural form άτακτοι. If describing a group of females, use άτακτες.

How do you pronounce it?

átaktos

Did you know?

In a military context, the word άτακτος takes on a much more serious meaning, often referring to 'irregular' troops or deserters who have abandoned their posts.
The root of άτακτος is the same one used for 'taxis' in English, referring to a structured arrangement or order.
The word άτακτος can be used to describe a garden that has grown wild or a hedge that is overgrown.

Examples in context

Είσαι άτακτος.
You are naughty.
Tatoeba #5459594 by Zeus, translation #16789 by iamgrim
Ο καλός μου φίλος είναι λίγο άτακτος.
My good friend is a bit naughty.
Μην είσαι άτακτος στο σχολείο.
Min eisai ataktos sto scholeio.
Don't be naughty at school.
1 more sentence on Tatoeba

Example conversation

Anastasia is talking to Kostas about his young son.

Αναστασία Anastasia

Ο γιος σου είναι λίγο άτακτος σήμερα.
O gios sou einai ligo ataktos simera.
Your son is a bit naughty today.
Κώστας Kostas

Έχει δίκιο, δεν ακούει καθόλου.
Echei dikio, den akouei katholou.
You are right, he isn't listening at all.
Αναστασία Anastasia

Του είπες ότι είναι άτακτος;
Tou eipes oti einai ataktos?
Did you tell him that he is naughty?
Κώστας Kostas

Ναι, αλλά συνεχίζει να παίζει.
Nai, alla synechizei na paizei.
Yes, but he continues to play.

Sources

Wiktionary, “naughty” translations and entries άτακτος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.

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How to Say “Naughty” in Greek