ποτέ
poté/poˈte/
The English word 'never' is translated into Greek as ποτέ (poté) or ουδέποτε.
Meaning: at no time (adv)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ποτέ | poté | /poˈte/ |
| ουδέποτε | oudépote |
Both forms are used to express that something occurs at no time.
Which one should you use?
ουδέποτε is a more formal or emphatic version of ποτέ.
How does it change in a sentence?
In standard Greek, you can place ποτέ in the middle of a sentence by using the negative particle δεν, which creates a structure that literally translates to 'I do not ever'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /poˈte/ (poté).
Did you know?
- In Ancient Greek, the word ποτέ was often used as an indefinite particle to mean 'at some time' rather than 'at no time'.
- If you use ουδέποτε in a casual conversation with friends, you might sound like a character from an ancient epic or a formal news broadcast.
- The word ποτέ is used in the common Greek expression ποτέ και πότε, which describes something that happens very rarely or almost never.
Examples in context
- Ποτέ δε μου μιλάει.He never speaks to me.This sentence shows how to use ποτέ to describe a recurring action.Tatoeba #5344495 by Zeus, translation #2466155 by CM
- Ποτέ μη λες ψέματα.Never tell lies.This sentence uses ποτέ in a command to provide advice.Tatoeba #5451300 by Zeus, translation #65614 by CK
- Δεν τρώω ποτέ κρέας.I never eat meat.This sentence demonstrates the 'δεν… ποτέ' structure to express a habitual negation.Tatoeba #2404538 by mululatv, translation #257191 by CK
- Δεν θα το κάνω ποτέ.I will never do it.
- Τίποτα δεν θα συμβεί ποτέ.Nothing will ever happen.
- Ποτέ μην λησμονήσεις αυτή τη στιγμή.Never forget this moment.
- Ποτέ μην το επαναλάβεις.Never repeat it.
- Ποτέ με τίποτα δεν θα το κάνω.I will never do it, no matter what.
- 241 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kyriaki and Nikos are talking about travel experiences.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΈχεις πάει ποτέ στην Ιταλία;Écheis páei poté stin Italía?Have you ever been to Italy?
- Νίκος NikosΌχι, δεν έχω πάει ποτέ.Óchi, den écho páei poté.No, I have never been.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΘέλω να πάω κάποια φορά.Thélo na páo kápias forá.I want to go sometime.
- Νίκος NikosΕγώ δεν θα το ξέχαGuarantee ποτέ!Egó den tha to xechasó poté!I will never forget it!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “never” translations and entries ποτέ, ουδέποτε, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ουδέποτε, ποτέ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
