Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ασφαλής | asfalís | /a.sfaˈlis/ |
| ακίνδυνος | akíndynos | /aˈcin.ðinos/ |
In Greek, these terms are used to describe being free from risk, but they convey different nuances. Use ασφαλής when referring to something that is secure or protected from danger. Use ακίνδυνος when describing something that is harmless or does not pose a threat, such as something that is not poisonous.
Which one should you use?
ασφαλής is used for things that are secure or protected from danger, whereas ακίνδυνος is used to mean 'harmless' or 'not causing injury'. For example, if something is not poisonous or does not pose a threat, you would use ακίνδυνος.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
ασφαλής is the masculine singular form, but it is also used for the feminine singular and the neuter singular in its indeclinable form. The related noun χρηματοκιβώτιο refers to a box in which valuables can be locked for safekeeping.
How do you pronounce it?
asfalís (/a.sfaˈlis/). It has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word for a safe-deposit box χρηματοκιβώτιο literally translates to 'money chest' or 'money coffin'.
- While ασφαλής means 'safe', it shares an etymological connection to the French word 'infaillible', which originally meant 'unfailing' or 'certain'.
- The term ασφαλής can be used to describe a mathematical or logical certainty, not just physical safety.
Examples in context
- Θα είσαι ασφαλής εδώ.You'll be safe there.This sentence is useful for expressing being safe in a specific location using ασφαλής.Tatoeba #4706999 by pinkmpnster, translation #3238854 by CK
- Η γάτα είναι ασφαλής.The cat is safe.This sentence is useful for describing an animal as being safe using ασφαλής.Tatoeba #5602848 by Zeus, translation #1789296 by Spamster
- Ο Τομ θα 'ναι ασφαλής.Tom will be safe.This sentence is useful for expressing that a person will be safe using ασφαλής.Tatoeba #5607173 by Zeus, translation #2215640 by CK
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nikos and Eleni are discussing a hiking path.
- Νίκος NikosΕίναι ασφαλής αυτός ο δρόμος;Einai asfalis aftos o dromos;Is this road safe?
- Ελένη EleniΝαι, είναι πολύ ασφαλής.Ne, einai poly asfalis.Yes, it is very safe.
- Νίκος NikosΘέλουμε να είμαστε ασφαλείς.Theleme na eimaste asfaleis.We want to be safe.
- Ελένη EleniΜην ανησυχείς, θα είσαι ασφαλής.Min anisycheis, tha eisai asfalis.Don't worry, you will be safe.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “safe” translations and entries ασφαλής, ακίνδυνος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ακίνδυνος, ασφαλής, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
