ωραίος
oraíos/oˈɾe.os/
The English word 'nice' can be translated into Greek as ωραίος (oraíos).
The word ωραίος is commonly used to describe pleasant weather, a nice view or a nice person.
Meaning: attractive, friendly (adj)
Which one should you use?
While ωραίος can mean 'nice' or 'pleasant', όμορφος is more specifically used to describe physical beauty.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective ωραίος must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, so use ωραία for feminine nouns, ωραίο for neuter nouns, ωραίοι for masculine plural nouns and ωραίες for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /oˈɾe.os/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word ωραίος is an unexpected relative of the English word 'hour', as both share a root related to time and seasons.
- In Greece, the word ωραίο is often used as a one-word response to show agreement or approval, similar to saying 'cool' or 'great' in English.
- If you want to say someone is 'nice' in a way that implies they are 'kind' or 'good-hearted', Greeks often switch to the word καλός instead of ωραίος.
Examples in context
- Κατά τη γνώμη μου είναι ο καιρός ωραίος.In my opinion, the weather is nice.This sentence shows how to use ωραίος to describe the weather.Tatoeba #3740750 by carlosalberto, translation #6284807 by yabancee
- Ήταν πολύ ευγενικόςHe was very polite.
- Έχεις ένα ωραίο χαμόγελοYou have a nice smile.
- Πέρασα καλάI had a good time.
- Η παραλία είναι πολύ ωραία.The beach is very nice.
- Ευχαριστώ για την εξυπηρέτηση, ήσασταν πολύ ευγενικοί.Thank you for the service, you were very polite.
- Είναι ένας ωραίος άντρας.Einai enas oraios andras.He is a nice man.
Example conversation
Maria and Dimitris are talking about a new acquaintance.
- Μαρία MariaΓνώρισες τον νέο μας συνάδελφο;Gnorises ton neo mas synadelfo?Did you meet our new colleague?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΝαι, είναι πολύ ωραίος τύπος.Nai, einai poly oraios typos.Yes, he is a very nice guy.
- Μαρία MariaΧαίρομαι που σου φάνηκε έτσι.Cheromai pou sou fanike etsi.I'm glad he seemed that way to you.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΠραγματικά, είναι πολύ φιλικός.Pragmatika, einai poly filikos.Indeed, he is very friendly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nice” translations and entries ωραίος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ωραίος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
