καθαρός
katharós/ka.θaˈɾos/
The Greek word for pure is καθαρός (katharós).
καθαρός is used to describe something that is free of foreign material or pollutants. It is also the standard word for 'clean' (as in a clean room or a clean car).
Meaning: free of foreign material or pollutants (adj)
Which one should you use?
While καθαρός can mean 'pure' in the sense of being free of pollutants, the word αγνός is a formal way to say 'pure' in Greek and predominantly refers to moral purity.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, so use the feminine form καθαρή for feminine nouns, the neuter form καθαρό for neuter nouns, the masculine plural form καθαροί for masculine plural nouns and the feminine plural form καθαρές for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ka.θaˈɾos/ (katharós). It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Greek, calling a person καθαρός can sometimes imply they are 'clear' or 'transparent' in their reasoning or speech.
- The concept of καθαρός is deeply tied to ancient Greek purification rituals, where the word described the process of making something ritually pure.
- In a medical context, an English speaker might say 'pure blood', but a Greek speaker would more likely use καθαρός to describe a person's 'clean' health or a 'clear' conscience.
Examples in context
- Οι προθέσεις του Τομ ήταν καθαρές και ειλικρινείς.Tom's intentions were pure and sincere.
- Το νερό σ' αυτή την παραλία είναι καθαρό και κρυστάλλινο.The water at this beach is pure and crystal clear.
Example conversation
George and Maria are discussing the water quality at a spring.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΤο νερό εδώ είναι καθαρός;To nero edo einai katharos?Is the water pure here?
- Μαρία MariaΝαι, έρχεται απευθείας από την πηγή.Nai, erchetai apeutheias apo tin pigi.Yes, it comes directly from the spring.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΠρέπει να είναι πολύ δροσιστικό.Prepei na einai poly drosistiko.It must be very refreshing.
- Μαρία MariaΕίναι το πιο καθαρός που έχω πιει.Einai to pio katharos pou echo pii.It is the purest I have drunk.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pure” translations and entries καθαρός, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
