δύναμη
dýnami/ˈði.na.mi/
The English word power is translated into Greek as δύναμη (dýnami).
δύναμη refers to the ability to affect or influence. While it is used for the abstract concept of power, it is also the standard word for strength or force in both physical and metaphorical contexts. Related to this, the adjective δυναμικός means dynamic or powerful.
Meaning: ability to affect or influence (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of δύναμη is δυνάμεις. To indicate possession or a relationship (such as 'of power'), use the genitive singular form δύναμης.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈði.na.mi/ (dýnami). It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In modern Greek, δύναμη is the standard mathematical term for an 'exponent' or 'power' as in 2 to the power of 3.
- The Greek word δύναμη is the ancestor of the English words 'dynamic', 'dynamite' and 'dynasty'.
- While δύναμη covers physical force, if you want to describe a person's 'authority' or 'jurisdiction', Greeks often switch to the word εξουσία.
Examples in context
- Εκείνος που έχει τα λεφτά, έχει και τη δύναμη.He who has the money, also has the power.This sentence demonstrates how money can be linked to having power using δύναμη.Tatoeba #3365151 by Zeus, translation #3364648 by Hybrid
- Η γνώση είναι δύναμη.Knowledge is power.This sentence illustrates the common proverb 'Knowledge is power' using δύναμη.Tatoeba #1339782 by enteka, translation #277046 by LowMemory
- Μεγάλη είναι η δύναμη της συνήθειας.Great is the power of habit.This sentence shows how the word δύναμη can describe the power of a habit.Tatoeba #12368024 by carlosalberto, translation #369558 by MUIRIEL
- Η ομάδα μας επέδειξε μεγάλη δύναμη στον αγώνα.Our team demonstrated great power in the game.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Dimitris are discussing a new political leader.
- Μαρία MariaΈχει μεγάλη δύναμη αυτή η νέα ηγέτιδα.Echei megali dynami afti i nea igetida.This new leader has great power.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΝαι, αλλά η δύναμή της είναι προσωρινή.Ne, alla i dynami tis einai prosorini.Yes, but her power is temporary.
- Μαρία MariaΠιστεύεις ότι θα αλλάξει πολλά;Pisteueis oti tha allaxei polla;Do you believe she will change a lot?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΊσως, εξαρτάται από τη δύναμη των αποφάσεών της.Isos, exartata apo ti dynami ton apofaseon tis.Maybe, it depends on the power of her decisions.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry δύναμη, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries δύναμη, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
