ω
o
The English phrase 'oh' can be translated into Greek as ω or α.
Meaning: expression of surprise (intj)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| ω | o |
| α | a |
These words are used as interjections to express surprise. While ω is a general expression of surprise, you might also encounter the informal interjection Πωπω! to convey excitement or amazement.
Which one should you use?
ω is used for general surprise, whereas ωχ is specifically used to express sympathy, pity or sadness.
How do you pronounce it?
o
Did you know?
- The interjection α has a surprising history as a shortened version of the Ancient Greek command ἄγε, which meant 'go!' or 'come on!'
- In Greek tragedy and poetry, ω is often used as a vocative particle to address someone or something with deep emotion, rather than just reacting to a surprise.
- While ω can express surprise, it is also the root of the Greek term for 'omega', the final letter of the alphabet, which literally means 'great o'.
Examples in context
- Είσαι όμορφη, αγαπημένη μου. Ω ναι, είσαι όμορφη.You're beautiful, my beloved. Oh yes, you're beautiful.This sentence shows how to use ω to emphasize a statement of beauty.Tatoeba #9391945 by lefterav, translation #9433144 by Nylez
- Πολύ ωραία.Oh, very nice.This example shows the use of ω to express a positive reaction.Tatoeba #9264899 by Niki_Pechlivanidi, translation #6586590 by Eccles17
- Ωχ, συγγνώμη.Oh, sorry.This sentence demonstrates the use of ω when apologizing.Tatoeba #4707973 by chrysaarabatzi, translation #3384687 by Ricardo14
- Αχ! Δεν μπορώ να το πιστέψω!Oh! I can't believe it!
- Πωπω! Τι πανέμορφο τοπίο!Wow! What a beautiful landscape!
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nikos and Kyriaki are looking at a surprise gift.
- Νίκος NikosΩ, είναι πανέμορφο!O, einai panemorofo!Oh, it is beautiful!
- Κυριακή KyriakiΣου αρέσει, Νίκο;Sou aresei, Niko;Do you like it, Nikos?
- Νίκος NikosΠολύ πολύ!Poly poly!Very, very much!
- Κυριακή KyriakiΧαίρομαι πολύ.Chairomai poly.I am very happy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “oh” translations and entries ω, α, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries α, ω, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
