μετανοώ
metanoó
The English verb 'repent' is translated into Greek as μετανοώ (metanoó). Wiktionary also lists μετανιώνω (metanióno).
Meaning: to feel sorrow or regret for what one has done or omitted to do (verb)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| μετανοώ | metanoó | |
| μετανιώνω | metanióno | /metaˈɲono/ |
μετανοώ is used to express the act of feeling sorrow or regret for what one has done or omitted to do. In religious or theological contexts, it is the standard term used to describe the concept of repentance.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, μετανοώ means 'to change one's mind'. It is composed of the prefix μετά (meaning after or change) and the verb νοέω (meaning to think or mind).
Which one should you use?
While μετανοώ focuses on a change of mind or direction, μετανιώνω emphasizes the feeling of regret or sorrow for a past action.
How does it change in a sentence?
The first-person singular present indicative form is μετανοώ (I repent), and the future tense is μετανοήσω (I will repent).
How do you pronounce it?
metanoó
Did you know?
- The root of μετανοώ is shared with the English word 'metanoia', a psychological term describing a transformative change in one's fundamental outlook.
- While μετανοώ can be used for a simple change of heart, in the Greek Orthodox tradition, it is the essential first step of a lifelong process of spiritual healing.
- In Greek, the concept of repentance is closely tied to the word νοῦς, which refers to the mind or intellect, rather than the heart.
Example sentences for Greek are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Nikos apologizes to Maria for an argument.
- Νίκος NikosΜαρία, μετανοώ που φώναξα χθες.María, metanoó pou fónaxa chthes.Maria, I repent for shouting yesterday.
- Μαρία MariaΣου συγχωρώ τα λόγια σου, Νίκο.Sou synchoró ta lógia sou, Níko.I forgive your words, Nikos.
- Νίκος NikosΘέλω πραγματικά να αλλάξω.Thélo pragmatiká na alláxo.I really want to change.
- Μαρία MariaΕκτιμώ την ειλικρίνειά σου.Ektimó tin eilikrineiá sou.I appreciate your honesty.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “repent” translations and entries μετανιώνω, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
