γέρος
géros/ˈʝeɾos/masculine
The English phrase "old man" is translated into Greek as γέρος (géros). Wiktionary also lists γέροντας (gérontas).
Meaning: elderly man (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| γέρος | géros | /ˈʝeɾos/ | masculine |
| γέροντας | gérontas | masculine |
γέρος is the standard noun for an elderly man. In everyday spoken Greek, calling someone a γέρος can be perceived as blunt or even disrespectful, similar to calling someone "an old man" in a dismissive way.
Which one should you use?
While γέρος is the standard noun for an old man, it can also function as an adjective meaning "old" in certain poetic or archaic contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine. The form γέρος is the nominative singular, while γέροντας is an alternative masculine form used in different grammatical contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is géros, and the IPA is /ˈʝeɾos/.
Did you know?
- While γέρος refers to an old man, the term παππούς (grandfather) is frequently used as a polite substitute to address any elderly man, even a stranger.
- The word γέροντας is not just a grammatical variation but is often used in Modern Greek to refer specifically to a spiritual elder or a monk in the Orthodox tradition.
- The word γέρος is the direct ancestor of the English word 'geriatric', which relates to the medical care of the elderly.
Examples in context
- Ο γέρος προσπάθησε να κρύψει τα χρήματά του κάτω από το έδαφος.The old man tried to hide his money under the ground.This sentence shows how to use γέρος as the subject of a sentence.Tatoeba #3116040 by Zeus, translation #326430 by CK
- «Ο Γέρος και η θάλασσα» είναι μυθιστόρημα γραμμένο από τον Έρνεστ Χέμινγουεϊ."The Old Man and the Sea" is a novel by Hemingway.This sentence uses γέρος as part of a proper title.Tatoeba #7324245 by amoeba, translation #523883 by Dejo
- Ο γέρος καθόταν όλη μέρα στο καφενείο.The old man sat in the coffee shop all day long.This sentence demonstrates γέρος used as a subject in a descriptive context.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and George are walking in the park and see an elderly man.
- Ελένη EleniΚοιτάξτε εκείνον τον γέρο.Koitákste ekénon ton géro.Look at that old man.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΦαίνεται πολύ σοφός.Faínetai polý sofós.He looks very wise.
- Ελένη EleniΟ γέρος χαμογελάει σε όλους.O géros chamogiléi se ólous.The old man is smiling at everyone.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΈχει πολύ καλή διάθεση.Ékhei polý kalí diáthesi.He is in a very good mood.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “old man” translations and entries γέρος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries γέρος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
