τέλεια
téleia/ˈtelia/
The English word "perfect" can be translated into Greek as τέλεια (téleia).
The word is used to describe someone or something that is excellent and delightful in all respects.
Meaning: excellent and delightful in all respects (adj)
Which one should you use?
While τέλεια is the default form, you may use Άριστος in formal settings to mean excellent or Αψεγάδιαστος when you want to specifically emphasize that something is completely flawless and without any imperfections.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form τέλεια can function as either the feminine singular or the neuter plural form. If you are describing an inanimate object or a concept that is grammatically neuter, you should use the neuter form τέλειο.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is téleia and the IPA is /ˈtelia/.
Did you know?
- The word τέλειος is the root for the English grammatical term 'perfect tense', referring to an action that has reached completion.
- The word τέλειο shares its roots with the mathematical concept of a 'telos', which refers to an ultimate end, purpose, or goal in Aristotelian philosophy.
- In modern conversational Greek, τέλεια is often used as a standalone exclamation to mean 'Great!' or 'Awesome!' regardless of what is being described.
Examples in context
- Είσαι σε όλα τέλεια.You're perfect at everything.This sentence shows how to use τέλεια to say someone is perfect at everything.Tatoeba #5488420 by Zeus, translation #3068344 by CM
- Στα μάτια του, ήταν τέλεια.In his eyes, she was perfect.This sentence demonstrates the use of τέλεια to describe a person from someone's perspective.Tatoeba #4357332 by Tensai, translation #3753040 by Hybrid
- Τα μαλλιά σου είναι τέλεια.Your hair is perfect.This sentence shows how to use τέλεια to describe hair.Tatoeba #5583686 by Zeus, translation #3070255 by Hybrid
- Έκανες μια τέλεια δουλειά!You did a perfect job!
- Έχετε δημιουργήσει ένα άριστο προϊόν.You have created an excellent product.
- Οι προσπάθειές σας ήταν αψεγάδιαστες.Your efforts were perfect.
- Πέρασα τέλεια στις διακοπές!I had a perfect time on vacation!
- Το φαγητό σου ήταν μπόμπα!Your food was perfect!
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kostas and Maria are discussing a vacation plan.
- Κώστας KostasΗ ιδέα σου είναι τέλεια!I idea sou einai telia!Your idea is perfect!
- Μαρία MariaΧαίρομαι που σου αρέσει, Κώστα.Heiromai pou sou aresei, Kosta.I am glad you like it, Kostas.
- Κώστας KostasΠότε θα φύγουμε τότε;Pote tha fygoume tote?When shall we leave then?
- Μαρία MariaΑύριο το πρωί είναι τέλεια.Avrio to proi einai telia.Tomorrow morning is perfect.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry τέλεια, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
