υπακοή
ypakoḯ/i.pa.koˈi/feminine
The English word 'obedience' is translated into Greek as υπακοή (ypakoḯ). Wiktionary also lists πειθαρχία (peitharchía).
Meaning: quality of being obedient (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| υπακοή | ypakoḯ | /i.pa.koˈi/ | feminine |
| πειθαρχία | peitharchía | feminine |
The term υπακοή is used to describe the quality of being obedient.
What does it mean word for word?
The word υπακοή is composed of the prefix υπ– (under) and the root –ακοή (hearing), which literally means 'hearing under' or 'listening to'.
Which one should you use?
While υπακοή refers to the quality of being obedient (submitting to authority), the word πειθαρχία is used to mean 'discipline' or the enforcement of order.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun υπακοή is feminine, meaning that any accompanying adjectives must also be in the feminine form.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as /i.pa.koˈi/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 4th syllable.
Did you know?
- The root of πειθαρχία comes from πειθώ, which means 'persuasion'. This suggests that discipline was historically viewed as the result of being persuaded to follow a rule.
- The root –ακοή found in υπακοή is the same root used for the English word 'acoustics'.
- In the context of the Greek Orthodox Church, υπακοή is not just a rule but a spiritual virtue. It is often framed as a voluntary act of love and humility rather than a requirement of law.
Examples in context
- Η υπακοή στους γονείς είναι πολύ σημαντική.Obedience to parents is very important.
- Ο στρατιώτης έδειξε απόλυτη υπακοή στις εντολές του αρχηγού.The soldier showed absolute obedience to the commander's orders.
- Η υπακοή είναι σημαντική στο στρατό.I ypakoí eínai simantikí sto strató.Obedience is important in the army.
- Πρέπει να δείξουμε υπακοή στους νόμους.Prépei na deíksoume ypakoí stous nómous.We must show obedience to the laws.
Example conversation
A mother and son are discussing the house rules.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΓιώργο, η υπακοή είναι απαραίτητη σε αυτό το σπίτι.Giórgo, i ypakoí eínai apara-ítitī se aftó to spíti.Giorgos, obedience is necessary in this house.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΓιατί πρέπει να είμαι πάντα υπακούριος;Giati prépei na ímai pánta ypakoúrios?Why do I always have to be obedient?
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΓια να είμαστε όλοι ασφαλείς, Αναστασία λέει.Gia na eímaste óloi asfaleís, Anastasía léi.So that we are all safe, Anastasia says.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΈνταξα, θα προσπαθήσω περισσότερο.Éntaxa, tha prospathíso perissótero.Alright, I will try harder.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “obedience” translations and entries υπακοή, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries υπακοή, CC BY-SA 4.0.
