κύριε
kýrie/ˈci.ɾi.e/
The Greek word for 'sir' is κύριε (kýrie).
κύριε is a polite way to address any male, especially when his name or proper address is unknown. It is a standard way to show respect to a male stranger, a customer or someone in a professional setting.
Meaning: address to any male, especially if his name or proper address is unknown (noun)
Which one should you use?
To address a woman as 'ma'am' or 'madam', use the feminine counterpart κυρία.
How does it change in a sentence?
κύριε is the vocative case of the noun κύριος, used specifically when addressing someone directly. While κύριε is used for direct address, the nominative form κύριος is used when the word is the subject of a sentence or used as a title, such as 'Mr.'
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈci.ɾi.e/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- If you are using κύριε to address a much older man in a very traditional or rural setting, it might actually sound slightly less respectful than using a kinship term like θείε, which means 'uncle'.
- The word κύριος is the same word used for 'Lord' in religious contexts, meaning the word carries a heavy weight of authority and divinity.
- The word κύριος shares a root with the English word 'kyrie' found in the 'Kyrie eleison' prayer used in some Christian liturgies.
Examples in context
- Τίποτε άλλο, κύριε;Anything else, sir?This sentence shows how to use κύριε when asking if someone needs anything else.Tatoeba #5518104 by Zeus, translation #274611 by Eldad
- Είστε γιατρός, κύριε;Are you a doctor, sir?This sentence demonstrates using κύριε when asking a man about his profession.Tatoeba #7774595 by amoeba, translation #5341005 by Amittai
- Πώς ήταν η πτήση σας, κύριε;How was your flight, sir?This sentence illustrates the use of κύριε when inquiring about a man's experience.Tatoeba #11343371 by carlosalberto, translation #11343315 by carlosalberto
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A woman returns a lost wallet to a man in a park.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΣας ανήκουν αυτά, κύριε.Sas anikoun afta, kyrie.These belong to you, sir.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕίναι δικά μου, ευχαριστώ πολύ!Einai dika mou, efcharisto poli!They are mine, thank you very much!
- Κυριακή KyriakiΠαρακαλώ, καλή συνέχεια.Parakalo, kali sinechia.You're welcome, have a good one.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕυχαριστώ πολύ, κυρία.Efcharisto poli, kyria.Thank you very much, madam.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry κύριε, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
