αστυνομία
astynomía/astinoˈmia/feminine
αστυνομία (astynomía) is the Greek word for police.
The term refers to a local or general law enforcement agency.
Meaning: local or general law enforcement agency (noun)
Which one should you use?
While αστυνομία is the general term, Ελληνική Αστυνομία is used specifically to refer to the Greek Police. In slang, the term Μπάτσοι is used to refer to the police.
How does it change in a sentence?
αστυνομία is a feminine singular noun. The genitive form of the word is της αστυνομίας.
How do you pronounce it?
/astinoˈmia/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often treat "police" as a plural noun, but in Greek, αστυνομία is a singular noun and requires singular verbs and articles.
Did you know?
- In Ancient Greece, an astunomos was not just a law officer but also responsible for urban planning and keeping the streets clean.
- The slang term Μπάτσοι is believed by some to be derived from the English word 'batch' or possibly from 'badge'.
- The word αστυνομία literally translates to 'city law', combining the ancient words for 'city' and 'law'.
Examples in context
- Τι είπε η αστυνομία;What did the police say?This sentence is useful for asking about a statement made by the αστυνομία.Tatoeba #5604827 by Zeus, translation #3820983 by CK
- Θα έρθει η αστυνομία;Will the police come?This sentence is useful for asking about the arrival of the αστυνομία.Tatoeba #5480456 by Zeus, translation #426427 by CM
- Η αστυνομία τον συνέλαβε.The police arrested him.This sentence is useful for describing an action taken by the αστυνομία.Tatoeba #5574263 by Zeus, translation #3920288 by CH
- Κάλεσε την αστυνομία!Call the police!
- Η Ελληνική Αστυνομία είναι υπεύθυνη για τη διατήρηση της τάξης και του νόμου.The Greek Police is responsible for maintaining order and law.
- Διάβασα στην εφημερίδα για ένα νέο μέτρο που πήραν οι αστυνομικοί.I read in the newspaper about a new measure taken by the police.
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dimitris and Maria are talking about a car accident near their house.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΠού είναι η αστυνομία;Pou einai i astynomia;Where is the police?
- Μαρία MariaΗ αστυνομία έρχεται τώρα.I astynomia erchetai tora.The police are coming now.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΕίναι η αστυνομία εδώ;Einai i astynomia edo;Is the police here?
- Μαρία MariaΝαι, η αστυνομία έφτασε.Nai, i astynomia eftase.Yes, the police arrived.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “police” translations and entries αστυνομία, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries αστυνομία, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
