ένα
éna/ˈe.na/
The English word 'one' is translated as ένα (éna) in Greek.
ένα is used to represent the cardinal number 1. It can also function as a noun to refer to a neutral element in multiplication.
Meaning: cardinal number 1 (num)
Which one should you use?
While ένα is the default form for the number one, it is specifically the neuter form used with neuter nouns or as a standalone pronoun.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form ένα is the neuter form, but the number must agree in gender with the noun it modifies: use ένας for masculine nouns and μία or μια for feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈe.na/. It has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- Ancient Greeks used the word ἕν to describe the ultimate source of all existence in Neoplatonic philosophy, often translated as 'The One'.
- While ένα is the number one, the Greek word for 'first' is πρώτος, which shares a root with the English word 'prototype'.
- In Greek, the number ένα can be used to refer to a single person as 'someone' or 'any one' in a way that suggests an anonymous or unspecified individual.
Examples in context
- Θες ένα απ' αυτά;Do you want one of them?This sentence shows how to use ένα when referring to one of a group of items.Tatoeba #5600674 by Zeus, translation #5144083 by Airvian
- Δεν έμεινε ούτε ένας.There wasn't a single one left.This sentence uses ένα to emphasize the singular quantity.Tatoeba #2907169 by glavkos, translation #9202882 by Nylez
- Ο Τομ έχει ένα παιδί.Tom has one kid.This sentence demonstrates ένα modifying a noun.Tatoeba #5550056 by Zeus, translation #2856271 by Amastan
- Έχω ένα βιβλίο.I have one book.
- Θέλω έναν καφέ.I want one coffee.
- Παρακαλώ, θα ήθελα ένα τραπέζι για ένα άτομο.Please, I would like a table for one person.
- Ένας φίλος μου έχει ένα σκύλο.My friend has one dog.
- Μία καλή ιδέα θα ήταν να πάμε σινεμά.One good idea would be to go to the cinema.
- Ένα παράθυρο είναι ανοιχτό.One window is open.
- 130 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Dimitris are at a cafe ordering drinks.
- Μαρία MariaΘέλω ένα καφέ, παρακαλώ.Thélo éna kafé, parakaló.I want one coffee, please.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΚι εγώ θα πάρω ένα τσάι.Ki egó tha páro éna tsái.And I will take one tea.
- Μαρία MariaΘες ένα γλυκό επίσης;Thes éna glykó epísis?Do you want one sweet also?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΌχι, μόνο τα Getränke.Óchi, móno ta getrénke.No, just the drinks.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “one” translations and entries ένα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
