ήρεμος
íremos
The English word 'quiet' can be translated into Greek in several ways depending on the context, with the default form being ήρεμος (íremos). Wiktionary also lists σιγανός (siganós) and σιωπηλός (siopilós).
Meaning: with little sound (adj)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ήρεμος | íremos | |
| σιγανός | siganós | |
| σιωπηλός | siopilós | [siopilˈos] (narrow) |
What does it mean word for word?
The adjective σιωπηλός is derived from the noun σιωπή, which means silence.
Which one should you use?
Use ήρεμος when describing an environment that is calm, peaceful or undisturbed, such as a quiet sea or a quiet street. Use σιωπηλός to refer to a state of silence or to a person who is taciturn and does not speak much.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective σιγανός must change its ending to agree with the gender of the noun it describes: use σιγανή for feminine nouns, such as φωνή (voice) and σιγανό for neuter nouns, such as μέρος (place).
How do you pronounce it?
íremos
Did you know?
- While ήρεμος means 'quiet' or 'calm', its ancient ancestor ḗremos was used to describe a wasteland or a deserted place.
- In Greek, if you want to tell someone to 'be quiet' using a command, you would often use the verb κλείσε (close) paired with 'mouth', rather than using an adjective for 'quiet'.
- To tell someone to be 'quiet' in an imperative way, Greeks often use the word ησυχία, which translates to 'peace' or 'stillness'.
Examples in context
- Παρακαλώ να είστε αθόρυβοι.Please be quiet.
- Σκάσε!Shut up!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “quiet” translations and entries ήρεμος, σιγανός, σιωπηλός, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ήρεμος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
