δυνατός
dynatós
The Greek word for powerful is δυνατός (dynatós).
The adjective describes someone or something that possesses power, potency or influence.
Meaning: having or capable of exerting power, potency or influence (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The adjective δυνατός is etymologically related to the noun δύναμις, which means power or force.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use the feminine form δυνατή for feminine nouns, the neuter form δυνατό for neuter nouns, the masculine plural form δυνατοί for masculine plural nouns and the feminine plural form δυνατές for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
dynatós
Did you know?
- In modern Greek, δυνατός is frequently used to mean 'loud' when referring to sound. To ask someone to turn up the volume, you describe the sound as being more δυνατό.
- The word δυνατός is a direct ancestor of the English word 'dynamite'. The explosive was named using the root of δυνατός to evoke the idea of immense power.
- Ancient Greek used δυνατός not just for power, but to describe something that was 'possible' or 'feasible' to do.
Examples in context
- Ο πρόεδρος της εταιρείας είναι ένας δυνατός ηγέτης.The president of the company is a powerful leader.
- Η αστυνομία διαθέτει ισχυρά μέτρα ασφαλείας.The police have powerful security measures.
- Είναι ένας πολύ δυνατός ηγέτης.Einai enas poly dynastos igetis.He is a very powerful leader.
Example conversation
Kostas and Maria are discussing a political speech.
- Κώστας KostasΆκουσες τον λόγο του προχθές;Akouses ton logo tou prochthes?Did you hear his speech the other day?
- Μαρία MariaΝαι, ήταν ένα πολύ δυνατός λόγος.Nai, itan ena poly dynatos logos.Yes, it was a very powerful speech.
- Κώστας KostasΠιστεύεις ότι θα αλλάξει τα πράγματα;Pisteueis oti tha allaxei ta pragmata?Do you think it will change things?
- Μαρία MariaΝαι, η επιρροή του είναι μεγάλη.Nai, i epiroi tou einai megali.Yes, his influence is great.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry δυνατός, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries δυνατός, CC BY-SA 4.0.
