σιωπή
siopífeminine
In Greek, silence is expressed as σιωπή (siopí), the default form. Wiktionary also lists σιγή (sigí) and ησυχία (isychía).
Meaning: lack of sound (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| σιωπή | siopí | feminine | |
| σιγή | sigí | feminine | |
| ησυχία | isychía | /i.siˈçi.a/ | feminine |
The primary way to express a lack of sound is through the word σιωπή. Related to this is the verb ησυχάζω, which means to be quiet or to rest in silence.
Which one should you use?
The terms used for silence vary depending on whether you mean the absence of speech or a state of peace. σιωπή refers specifically to the absence of speech or communication. In contrast, ησυχία refers to a state of quiet, tranquility or a peaceful environment. Finally, σιγή is a more formal or literary term used to describe a moment of silence.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun σιωπή is feminine. Its plural form is σιωπές. The noun ησυχία is also feminine, and its plural form is ησυχίες.
How do you pronounce it?
siopí
Did you know?
- The word ησυχία is the root of the English word 'hesychasm', a mystical tradition in Eastern Orthodox Christianity that emphasizes inner silence and stillness.
- In Greece, the gesture for 'silence' often involves placing a finger over the lips, but the command σιωπή can sound very harsh or authoritarian depending on the tone.
- Because ησυχία implies peace and lack of disturbance, the adjective form can be used to describe a person who is easy-going or 'calm' in temperament.
Examples in context
- Κρίνοντας από τη σιωπή σου, δεν είσαι ευχαριστημένος από την απάντησή μου.Judging by your silence, you're not pleased with my answer.This sentence shows how to use σιωπή to describe a lack of verbal reaction.Tatoeba #1503271 by glavkos, translation #9102968 by Nylez
- Η σιωπή είναι χρυσός.Speech is silver, silence is gold.This sentence provides a common proverb using σιωπή.Tatoeba #1339662 by enteka, translation #239721 by jakov
- Αν δεν γνωρίζεις τη γλώσσα του, δεν θα καταλαβαίνεις ποτέ την σιγή ενός ξένου.If you do not know his language, you will never understand a foreigner's silence.This sentence demonstrates the use of the more formal term σιγή.Tatoeba #9825095 by lucasmg123, translation #2469776 by zalaim
Example conversation
Dimitris and Maria are in a library.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΓιατί υπάρχει τόση σιωπή εδώ μέσα;Giati yparxei tosi siopi edo mesa?Why is there so much silence in here?
- Μαρία MariaΕίναι βιβλιοθήκη, Δημήτρη, πρέπει να είμαστε ήσυχοι.Einai vivliothiki, Dimitri, prepei na eimaste isychoi.It's a library, Dimitris, we have to be quiet.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΗ σιωπή με κάνει να νιώθω άβολα.I siopi me kanei na niotho avola.The silence makes me feel uncomfortable.
- Μαρία MariaΜην ανησυχείς, Μαρία θα σε βοηθήσει να βρεις το βιβλίο.Min anisychis, Maria tha se voithisi na vreis to vivlio.Don't worry, Maria will help you find the book.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “silence” translations and entries σιωπή, σιγή, ησυχία, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
