πλανήτης
planítis/plaˈnitis/masculine
The Greek word for planet is πλανήτης (planítis).
The word πλανήτης is a masculine noun used to describe a celestial body that orbits a star.
Meaning: similar body in orbit around a star (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term comes from the Greek root for 'wandering', reflecting the ancient observation of planets moving against the background of stars.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of πλανήτης is πλανήτες.
How do you pronounce it?
/plaˈnitis/
Did you know?
- The root of πλανήτης is also used in the modern Greek word πλάνη, which means 'error' or 'mistake'. This links the movement of planets to the idea of wandering off the right path.
- In Greek, the word for 'planet' is distinct from κόσμος, which means 'world'. While πλανήτης refers to the astronomical body, κόσμος refers to the society or the universe.
- The word 'planetesimal' in English, referring to early solar system objects, preserves this exact Greek concept of wandering.
Examples in context
- Δεν υπάρχει σχέδιο Β, καθότι δεν υπάρχει πλανήτης Β.There is no Plan B because there is no Planet B.This sentence illustrates the use of πλανήτης in a metaphorical context regarding a 'Planet B'.Tatoeba #3513034 by Zeus, translation #3512622 by danepo
- Όταν ήμουν στην ηλικία σου, ο Πλούτωνας ήταν πλανήτης.When I was your age, Pluto was a planet.This sentence uses πλανήτης to refer to Pluto's former status.Tatoeba #2404807 by mululatv, translation #2182 by Zifre
- Ο πλανήτης μας είναι όμορφος.Our planet is beautiful.This sentence uses πλανήτης to describe the beauty of our world.Tatoeba #11410778 by carlosalberto, translation #11410650 by carlosalberto
- Οι πλανήτες του ηλιακού συστήματος είναι εννέα.The planets of the solar system are nine.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
George and Eleni are looking at the night sky.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΠοιος πλανήτης είναι αυτός που λάμπει;Poios planetis einai aftos pou lambei?Which planet is that one shining?
- Ελένη EleniΝομίζω ότι είναι ο Δία, Γιώργο.Nomizo oti einai o Dia, Giogo.I think it is Jupiter, George.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕίναι ο μεγαλύτερος πλανήτης στο ηλιακό μας σύστημα.Einai o megaliteros planetis sto iliako mas systima.It is the largest planet in our solar system.
- Ελένη EleniΝαι, είναι πραγματικά εντυπωσιακός!Nai, einai pragmatika entyposiakos!Yes, it is truly impressive!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “planet” translations and entries πλανήτης, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries πλανήτης, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
