περίοδος
períodos/peˈri.o.ðos/feminine
The English word 'period' can be translated into Greek as περίοδος (períodos) to mean an interval of time.
περίοδος is used to describe a duration or an interval of time. In a biological or medical context, it is also the standard term used to refer to a menstrual period.
Meaning: interval of time (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word περίοδος is composed of the prefix περί– (peri-), meaning 'around' and οδός (odos), meaning 'way' or 'path', which literally suggests a circuit or a completed cycle.
Which one should you use?
While περίοδος refers to a duration of time, the punctuation mark used at the end of a sentence is called τελεία. Additionally, the idiomatic phrase τελεία και παύλα is used to mean 'period!' or 'end of story' to signal that a discussion is finished.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
περίοδος is a feminine noun. Its genitive plural form is περιόδων, which translates to 'of periods'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /peˈri.o.ðos/. It has four syllables and the stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word οδός inside περίοδος is the standard word for a 'street' in modern Greek cities.
- In ancient Greek astronomy, the term περίοδος was used specifically to describe the time a celestial body took to complete a single orbit.
- The prefix περί– found in περίοδος is also the source of English words like 'perimeter' and 'periphery'.
Examples in context
- Χθες τελείωσε η πρώτη περίοδος.The first period ended yesterday.This example shows how to use περίοδος to describe an ending interval.Tatoeba #3742864 by carlosalberto, translation #11354004 by carlosalberto
- πρώιμη περίοδοςEarly periodThis example shows the phrase περίοδος used with an adjective for an early time.
- καλοκαιρινή περίοδοςSummer periodThis example shows the phrase περίοδος used with an adjective for a summer time.
- Ελληνιστική περίοδοςHellenistic period
- Είμαι σε μια δύσκολη φάση αυτήν την περίοδο.I'm going through a tough period right now.
- Αυτήν την περίοδοThis period
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a history project.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΠοια περίοδος μελετάς για το έργο σου;Poia periodos meletas gia to ergo sou?Which period are you studying for your project?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΜελετώ την κλασική περίοδο της Ελλάδας.Meleto tin klasiki periodo tis Elladas.I am studying the classical period of Greece.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕίναι μια πολύ ενδιαφέρουσα περίοδος.Einai mia poly endiaferousa periodos.It is a very interesting period.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝαι, Γιώργο, έχει πολλές λεπτομέρειες.Nai, Giorgo, echei polles leptomeries.Yes, Giorgos, it has many details.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “period” translations and entries περίοδος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
