άρρωστος
árrostos/ˈaɾostos/
In Greek, the word for sick is άρρωστος (árrostos).
The word is an adjective used to describe someone who is ill. It can also function as a substantive to refer collectively to sick people.
Meaning: ill, used as a substantive: sick people, collectively (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form άρρωστος is the masculine singular. This adjective must agree in gender and number with the person being described. Use άρρωστη for a feminine singular subject, άρρωστοι for a masculine plural subject and άρρωστες for a feminine plural subject.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈaɾostos/ (árrostos)
Did you know?
- The word άρρωστος is a 'learned borrowing', meaning it was reintroduced into the spoken language from ancient texts rather than evolving naturally through continuous oral use.
- In some colloquial contexts, calling someone άρρωστος can be used as a slang term to describe someone who is 'crazy' or 'wild' in an impressive or shocking way.
- The concept of 'feeling sick' (nauseous) is expressed with the verb νιώθω (feel) followed by a completely different word, rather than using άρρωστος.
Examples in context
- Ο Τομ είναι άρρωστος.Tom is sick.This sentence is useful for saying that Tom is άρρωστος.Tatoeba #5453477 by Zeus, translation #1024872 by CK
- Νόμιζα πως ήταν άρρωστος.I thought he was sick.This sentence is useful for saying that he was άρρωστος.Tatoeba #5609551 by Zeus, translation #260139 by CK
- Ο γιος σου είναι άρρωστος.Your son is sick.This sentence is useful for saying that your son is άρρωστος.Tatoeba #5536795 by Zeus, translation #5493690 by robmen
- Ο γιατρός επιβεβαίωσε ότι είμαι άρρωστος.The doctor confirmed that I am sick.
- 47 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anastasia and Nikos are talking about a colleague's absence.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΓιατί δεν ήρθε ο Γιώργος σήμερα;Giati den irthe o Giorgos simera?Why didn't George come today?
- Νίκος NikosΕίναι άρρωστος και μένει στο σπίτι.Einai arrostos kai menei sto spiti.He is sick and is staying at home.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΕίναι πολύ άρρωστος;Einai poly arrostos?Is he very sick?
- Νίκος NikosΝαι, έχει υψηλό πυρετό.Nai, echei ypsilo pyreto.Yes, he has a high fever.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry άρρωστος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
