Άγιος Βασίλης
Ágios Vasílis/ˈa.ʝos vaˈsi.lis/
The phrase for Santa in Greek is Άγιος Βασίλης (Ágios Vasílis).
This phrase refers to the legendary figure who brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve.
Which one should you use?
While 'Santa Claus' is understood in Greece due to Western influence, Άγιος Βασίλης is the traditional Greek name for the gift-giving figure.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a subject in a sentence, the name is preceded by the masculine definite article 'Ο'.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is Ágios Vasílis. The stressed syllable is the first of four syllables. The IPA is /ˈa.ʝos vaˈsi.lis/.
Did you know?
- Unlike in many Western cultures where gifts arrive on December 25, children in Greece traditionally receive their presents from Άγιος Βασίλης on January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany.
- Άγιος Βασίλης is not based on the historical Saint Nicholas of Myra, but on Saint Basil the Great, a 4th-century bishop from Asia Minor.
- The name Βασίλης is a diminutive form of the name 'Basil', which comes from the word for 'kingly' or 'royal'.
Examples in context
- Άγιος Βασίλης έρχεται
κι όλους μας καταδέχεταιSanta Claus is coming
and condescends to all of usThis sentence shows the arrival and presence of Άγιος Βασίλης. - Ο Άγιος Βασίλης ζει στο Βόρειο Πόλο.Santa Claus lives in the North Pole.This sentence describes the location of Άγιος Βασίλης.Tatoeba #11252177 by carlosalberto, translation #9173712 by DJ_Saidez
- Ο Άγιος Βασίλης μένει στον Βόρειο Πόλο.Santa lives at the North Pole.This sentence describes where Άγιος Βασίλης lives.Tatoeba #3716075 by carlosalberto, translation #3716026 by Jesse
- Περιμένουμε τον Άγιο Βασίλη με ανυπομονησία!We are eagerly awaiting Saint Basil!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A mother and son are talking about Christmas preparations.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΠιστεύεις ακόμα στον Άγιο Βασίλη, Κώστα;Pistéveis akóma ston Ágio Vasíli, Kósta?Do you still believe in Santa, Kostas?
- Κώστας KostasΝαι, περιμένω τα δώρα από τον Άγιο Βασίλη!Ne, periméno ta dóra apó ton Ágio Vasíli!Yes, I'm waiting for gifts from Santa!
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΤότε πρέπει να είσαι πολύobedient φέτος.Tóte prépei na eísai polý obedient fétos.Then you must be very good this year.
- Κώστας KostasΕίμαι, για να με βρει ο Άγιος Βασίλης.Eímai, gia na me vreí o Ágios Vasílis.I am, so that Santa finds me.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Άγιος Βασίλης, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
