σημείο του σταυρού
simeío tou stavroú
The Greek phrase for "sign of the cross" is σημείο του σταυρού (simeío tou stavroú).
This noun refers to the religious gesture of making the sign of the cross.
Meaning: gesture (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
simeío tou stavroú
Did you know?
- When making the sign, many Greeks hold their thumb, index, and middle fingers together to symbolize the Holy Trinity. This small physical detail is an integral part of the ritualized 'sign' itself.
- The word σημείο (simeío) can also mean 'point' or 'decimal point' in a mathematical context. This shows how a word for a religious 'sign' can transition into purely secular, scientific usage.
- Greek speakers often use the verb σταυρώνομαι to describe the act of making the σημείο του σταυρού, which literally means 'to cross oneself'.
Example conversation
Anastasia and Kostas are entering a church.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΚώστα, κάνε το σημείο του σταυρού.Kósta, káne to semío tou stavroú.Kostas, make the sign of the cross.
- Κώστας KostasΈχεις δίκιο, ξέχνασα να το κάνω.Écheis díkio, xéchnasa na to káno.You are right, I forgot to do it.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΤώρα κάντο πριν μπούμε μέσα.Tóra kándo prin boúme mésa.Do it now before we go inside.
- Κώστας KostasΟρίστε, το έκανα τώρα.Oríste, to ékana tóra.Here, I have done it now.
