πινακίδα
pinakída
The Greek word for 'sign' is πινακίδα (pinakída).
Meaning: to write one's signature on a document (verb)
Which one should you use?
Use σημάδι when referring to a fact that shows something exists or may happen, and use σύμβολο when referring to a mark or symbol used to represent something.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
pinakída
Did you know?
- The word πινακίδα shares a root with the English word 'pinacotheca', which is a Greek-derived term for a picture gallery.
- The word πινακίδα refers specifically to a physical sign or placard, not the act of signing a document. To sign a contract, Greeks use the verb υπογράφω.
- In Ancient Greece, a πίναξ was a wax tablet used for writing, making the modern word for a sign literally a 'little tablet'.
Examples in context
- Παρακαλώ ακολουθήστε τα σήματα εξόδου.Please follow the exit signs.
- Δες τα σημάδια που ακολουθείς.Look at the signs you're following.
- Αυτό το χαμόγελο είναι ένα σημάδι αισιοδοξίας.This smile is a sign of optimism.
- Περίμενε για ένα σημάδι πριν προχωρήσεις.Wait for a sign before you proceed.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry πινακίδα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries πινακίδα, CC BY-SA 4.0.
