σκιά
skiá
The English word "shadow" is translated into Greek as σκιά (skiá).
The term σκιά refers to an area protected by an obstacle. It can also be used metaphorically to suggest secrecy or mystery.
Meaning: area protected by an obstacle (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun σκιά is feminine. To express "of the shadow", use the genitive singular form της σκιάς. To say "in the shadow", use the prepositional phrase στη σκιά.
How do you pronounce it?
skiá
Did you know?
- The word σκιά shares a commonality with the English word 'sciamachy', which means fighting an imaginary enemy, a term derived from the Greek roots for 'shadow' and 'fight'.
- Ancient Greeks believed that a person's σκιά was a literal part of their soul that could detach and travel to the underworld after death.
- The word σκιά is a doublet of the word ίσκιος, meaning both words share the same linguistic root despite looking different.
Examples in context
- σκιά του παλιού του εαυτούShadow of his former selfThis example shows how to use σκιά when describing a shadow of a person's former self.
- Ζει στη σκιά του διάσημου πατέρα του.He lives in the shadow of his famous father.This sentence demonstrates using σκιά to describe living in the shadow of a famous person.Tatoeba #12137057 by carlosalberto, translation #12137038 by carlosalberto
- Μπορείς να είσαι πιο γρήγορος από τη σκιά σου;Can you be faster than your shadow?This sentence uses σκιά in a comparison about speed.Tatoeba #11496958 by carlosalberto, translation #11496909 by carlosalberto
- Είδες την σκιά εκείνου του αετού;Did you see the shadow of that eagle?
- Προσπαθώ να φύγω από τη σκιά.I'm trying to escape from the shadow.
Example conversation
Kyriaki and Giorgos are walking in a park on a hot day.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΚάνει πολύ ζέστα εδώ έξω.Kanei poly zesta edo exo.It is very hot out here.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΠες μου, υπάρχει σκιά εκείνη τη γωνία;Pes mou, yparxei skia ekine τη gonia?Tell me, is there any shade in that corner?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝαι, κάτσε στη σκιά του δέντρου.Nai, katse sti skia tou dentrou.Yes, sit in the shadow of the tree.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕυχαριστώ, έτσι είναι πολύ καλύτερα.Efcharisto, etsi einai poly kalitera.Thank you, it is much better this way.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry σκιά, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries σκιά, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
