σκοπός
skopósmasculine
In Greek, purpose is σκοπός (skopós) or στόχος for a concrete goal. If unsure, use σκοπός.
Meaning: end for which something is done, is made or exists (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| σκοπός | skopós | masculine |
| στόχος | stóchos | masculine |
σκοπός is the most general word for purpose, the reason something is done or exists. Τελικός σκοπός means the final purpose, and Με σκοπό να means with the purpose of.
Which one should you use?
σκοπός is an abstract aim or intention, while στόχος is a specific, measurable target, often in business or sports. Πρόθεση means intention or intent.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Both nouns are masculine. The plural of σκοπός is σκοποί and the plural of στόχος is στόχοι. The related verb σκοπεύω means to intend or aim to do something.
How do you pronounce it?
Romanized it is skopós, with the stress on the last syllable.
Did you know?
- The verb σκοπεύω has a double meaning in Greek. While it means to intend or aim for a goal, it is also the standard word for aiming a weapon and shooting.
- The Greek word σκοπός originally meant a lookout or a sentinel who watches from a high point. This reflects the idea that a purpose is something one keeps their eyes fixed upon.
- English words like 'telescope' and 'microscope' are derived from the same root as σκοπός, specifically the Greek skopein, meaning to look or examine.
Examples in context
- Ποιος είναι ο σκοπός του ταξιδιού σας;What's the purpose of your trip?A useful question for travelers, with σκοπός after the article ο.Tatoeba #5605772 by Zeus, translation #325558 by CK
- Κατά την εκτίμησή μου, αυτός είναι θεμιτός σκοπός.In my estimation, this is a legitimate purpose.This sentence pairs σκοπός with the adjective θεμιτός, legitimate.Tatoeba #9715511 by Nylez, translation #9849204 by Nylez
- Φαίνεται ότι σκοπός των σπουδών του στο εξωτερικό ήταν να βελτιώσει την ικανότητά του να μιλάει αγγλικά.It seems that the purpose of his study abroad was to improve his ability to speak English.Here σκοπός opens the clause about why he studied abroad.Tatoeba #12330647 by carlosalberto, translation #26185 by carlosalberto
- Ο σκοπός αυτού του προγράμματος είναι να αυξήσει την απόδοσηThe purpose of this program is to enhance performance.
- Πήγα στο βιβλιοπωλείο γιατί χρειαζόμουν ένα νέο βιβλίοI went to the bookstore because I needed a new book.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anastasia and Kostas are discussing a new project at work.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΠοιος είναι ο κύριος σκοπός αυτού του σχεδίου;Poios einai o kyrios skopos aftou tou schediou?What is the main purpose of this plan?
- Κώστας KostasΟ σκοπός είναι να αυξήσουμε τις πωλήσεις μας.O skopos einai na ayxysoume tis poliseis mas.The purpose is to increase our sales.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΝομίζω ότι αυτός είναι ένας πολύ καλός σκοπός.Nomizo oti aftos einai enas poly kalos skopos.I think that is a very good purpose.
- Κώστας KostasΣυμφωνώ, Αναστασία, θα βοηθήσει πολύ την εταιρεία.Symfono, Anastasia, tha voithisei poly tin etaireia.I agree, Anastasia, it will help the company a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “purpose” translations and entries σκοπός, στόχος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries σκοπός, στόχος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
