Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ερώτηση | erótisi | /eˈɾotisi/ | feminine |
| ερώτημα | erótima | neuter |
A 'question' refers to a sentence, phrase or word used to seek information. If you want to ask questions of someone, you use the verb ρωτάω. If you wish to express the concept of raising doubts about something, the verb αμφισβητώ is used. For punctuation, a question mark is called ερωτητικό. Common question words include τι (what), πού (where), πώς (how) and γιατί (why).
Which one should you use?
ερώτηση is the standard word for a question asked during a conversation or an exam. In contrast, ερώτημα is used for more abstract, formal or philosophical questions, often implying a matter or an issue that needs to be addressed.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun ερώτηση is feminine. Its plural form is ερωτήσεις, and the genitive plural form, used to say 'of questions', is ερωτήσεων. The form ερώτημα is neuter.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of ερώτηση is /eˈɾotisi/.
When do people say it?
To add a layer of courtesy when asking a question, you can start your sentence with Μπορώ να σας ρωτήσω…? (May I ask you…?).
Did you know?
- In Ancient Greek, the root of ερώτηση is linked to the word ἐρώτησις, which is the origin of the English word 'erotesis'. This refers to a specific type of rhetorical question used to persuade an audience.
- While English uses one word for 'question', Greek distinguishes between the act of questioning ερώτηση and the conceptual problem created by that question ερώτημα.
- In Greek, the word for the question mark symbol, ερωτηματικό, literally translates to 'questioning thing', treating the punctuation mark as a noun derived from the root of 'question'.
Examples in context
- Δεν κατάλαβα την ερώτηση.I didn't understand the question.This sentence is useful for expressing that you did not understand the ερώτηση.Tatoeba #3004622 by mululatv, translation #3003917 by CM
- Αυτή είναι σοβαρή ερώτηση.This is a serious question.This sentence is useful for describing a specific ερώτηση as serious.Tatoeba #4382785 by glavkos, translation #9080440 by Nylez
- Έχω μια τελευταία ερώτηση.I have one last question.This sentence is useful for stating that you have one last ερώτηση.Tatoeba #5531233 by Zeus, translation #3142890 by CK
- Έχω μια ερώτηση για το παρόν θέμα.I have a question about the current topic.
- Έχω μια απορία για τη νέα ταινία που βγήκε.I have a question about the new movie that came out.
- 51 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
George and Eleni are in a classroom.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕλένη, έχω μια ερώτηση για το μάθημα.Eléni, écho mia erótisi gia to máthima.Eleni, I have a question about the lesson.
- Ελένη EleniΒεβαίως, Γιώργο. Ποια είναι η ερώτηση;Veváios, Giórgo. Pia eínai i erótisi?Of course, George. What is the question?
- Γιώργος GiorgosΠότε είναι η τελευταία ημερομηνία παράδοσης;Póte eínai i teleftéa imeromínia parádosis?When is the final deadline?
- Ελένη EleniΕίναι την επόμενη Παρασκευή.Eínai tin epómeni Paraskeví.It is next Friday.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “question” translations and entries ερώτηση, ερώτημα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ερώτημα, ερώτηση, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
