διαβάζω
diavázo/ðʝaˈvazo/
The Greek verb for 'read' is διαβάζω (diavázo).
διαβάζω means to look at and interpret letters or other information. Note that in Greek, this verb is also commonly used to mean 'to study', such as when preparing for an exam, which is a distinct sense from the English 'to read'.
Meaning: to look at and interpret letters or other information (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word διαβάζω is composed of the prefix δια– (meaning through or across) and βάζω (meaning to put), so it literally means 'to put through'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The present tense form διαβάζω is used for both 'I read' and 'I am reading'. To refer to the completed act of reading something from start to finish, you should use the perfective aspect form διαβάσω.
How do you pronounce it?
diavázo
Did you know?
- The modern Greek verb διαβάζω is actually a simplified version of the Ancient Greek word διαβιβάζω, which originally meant 'to transmit' or 'to send on'.
- The term διαβάζω can be used to describe interpreting non-textual information, such as 'reading' someone's facial expressions.
- While English has 'skim' or 'scan', Greek often uses διαβάζω for these actions by adding a specific adverb.
Examples in context
- Μ' αρέσει να διαβάζω.I like to read.This sentence shows how to express a preference for reading using διαβάζω.Tatoeba #5485844 by Zeus, translation #2164515 by CM
- Διαβάζω το βιβλίο σου.I read your book.This sentence demonstrates reading a specific object using διαβάζω.Tatoeba #2669014 by Zeus, translation #2667594 by CK
- Διαβάζω εφημερίδα όταν τρώω.I read a newspaper while eating.This sentence shows the use of διαβάζω to describe an action happening during another activity.Tatoeba #3059777 by glavkos, translation #3059775 by glavkos
- Τι βιβλίο διαβάζεις αυτή την περίοδο;What book are you reading these days?
- Την Κυριακή, θα κάτσω να διαβάσω όλη την ημέρα.On Sunday, I will sit and read the whole day.
- Αναγιγνώσκω τη σημερινή εφημερίδα για να μείνω ενήμερος.I am reading today's newspaper to stay informed.
- Διαβάζω λίγο από το νέο μυθιστόρημα του αγαπημένου μου συγγραφέα.I am reading a bit from the new novel by my favorite author.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nikos and Kyriaki are in a bookstore.
- Νίκος NikosΤι διαβάζω σε αυτό το βιβλίο;Ti diavazo se afto to vivlio;What am I reading in this book?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΔιαβάζω την περιγραφή στο πίσω μέρος.Diavazo tin perifgrafi sto piso meros.I am reading the description on the back.
- Νίκος NikosΘέλω να διαβάζω περισσότερα για αυτό.Thelo na diavazo perissotera gia afto.I want to read more about this.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΤότε αγόρασέ το, Νίκο.Tote agorase to, Niko.Then buy it, Nikos.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “read” translations and entries διαβάζω, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries διαβάζω, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
