πάνω
páno
The Greek word for 'on' is πάνω (páno).
πάνω is used to describe something that is positioned at or resting against the outer surface of something else, or is attached to it. It can also function as an adverb to describe a direction, such as 'up' or 'above'.
Meaning: positioned at or resting against the outer surface of, attached to (prep)
Which one should you use?
While πάνω can mean 'on' when used with the preposition σε, it can also function as an adverb meaning 'up' or 'above' in contexts involving direction.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using πάνω as a preposition meaning 'on' or 'on top of' a noun, it is typically followed by the preposition σε (which means 'in', 'on' or 'at').
How do you pronounce it?
páno
Did you know?
- In Greek, you can say πάνω when answering the phone to indicate you are listening, similar to saying 'I'm here' or 'yes'.
- The expression πάνω στην ώρα means 'on time', but it literally translates to 'above the hour'.
- The word πάνω is a direct descendant of the Ancient Greek word ἐπάνω, which functioned in a very similar capacity.
Examples in context
- Βάλτο πάνω στο τραπέζι.Put it on the table.This sentence shows how to use πάνω to indicate a position on a table.Tatoeba #2364821 by mululatv, translation #2647629 by CK
- Το μπουκάλι έσπασε πάνω μου.The bottle broke on me.This sentence demonstrates how πάνω can describe an event happening on or against a person.Tatoeba #7766764 by eypros, translation #3294847 by Dejo
- Βάλε το βιβλίο πάνω στα άλλα.Put the book on top of the others.This sentence illustrates using πάνω to mean 'on top of' a group of objects.Tatoeba #2394094 by mululatv, translation #2410250 by AlanF_US
- Στο τραπέζιOn the table
- Στην καρέκλαOn the chair
- Πάνω στο βιβλίοOn the book
- Το βιβλίο είναι στο τραπέζι.The book is on the table.
- Τα κλειδιά είναι στην καρέκλα.The keys are on the chair.
- 54 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dimitris is asking Kyriaki where she left her keys.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΠού είναι τα κλειδιά σου;Pou einai ta klidya sou?Where are your keys?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕίναι πάνω στη συeνίκευση.Einai pano sti sygnikefsi.They are on the packaging.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΔεν τα βλέπω πάνω εκεί.Den ta vlepo pano ekei.I don't see them up there.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΚόιτα πάνω στο μίρο.Koita pano sto miro.Look on the table.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “on” translations and entries πάνω, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries πάνω, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
