σκλάβος
sklávosmasculine
The English word 'slave' can be translated into Greek as σκλάβος (sklávos) or δούλος. Wiktionary also lists δούλα (doúla) and δούλη (doúli).
Meaning: person owned by another (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| σκλάβος | sklávos | masculine | |
| δούλος | doúlos | /ˈðu.los/ | masculine |
| δούλα | doúla | /ˈðula/ | feminine |
| δούλη | doúli | /ˈðuli/ | feminine, formal |
| σκλάβα | skláva | feminine |
In Greek, both σκλάβος and δούλος refer to a person owned by another. Both words can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is a 'slave' to a habit, a job or an emotion.
Which one should you use?
The term σκλάβος often carries a more literary, historical or metaphorical connotation compared to δούλος.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word δούλη is a more formal or archaic way to refer to a female slave.
How does it change in a sentence?
For the common masculine form δούλος, the feminine form is δούλα. For the literary masculine form σκλάβος, the feminine form is σκλάβα.
How do you pronounce it?
sklávos
Did you know?
- The word σκλάβος has a surprising connection to the ethnic group 'Slavs'. It entered the Greek language during the Byzantine era, likely as a way to refer to people captured during conflicts.
- Greek uses δούλος in religious contexts to describe a 'servant of God', shifting the meaning from forced labor to humble devotion.
- The term δούλη is not just an old version of the feminine word, but it is specifically associated with formal or ecclesiastical language used in religious contexts.
Examples in context
- Όποιος δεν διαθέτει τα δύο τρίτα της μέρας του για τον εαυτό του, είναι ένας σκλάβος.He who doesn't have two thirds of his day to himself is a slave.This sentence uses σκλάβος to illustrate a metaphorical description of a slave.Tatoeba #2427735 by mululatv, translation #9202783 by Nylez
- Τι σημαίνει δούλος;What does slave mean?This sentence uses δούλος to ask for its meaning.Tatoeba #11529196 by carlosalberto, translation #11529178 by carlosalberto
- During ancient times, many people were forced into becoming δούλοι, deprived of their freedom.During ancient times, many people were forced into becoming slaves, deprived of their freedom.
- I recently read a book about the social dynamics between σκλάβοι and their owners in ancient Greece.I recently read a book about the social dynamics between slaves and their owners in ancient Greece.
- Ο σκλάβος προσπαθεί να ξεφύγει.O sklávos prosopatá na xephygei.The slave is trying to escape.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Dimitris are discussing a history book.
- Μαρία MariaΔιάβασες για τη ζωή ενός σκλάβου;Diávases gia ti zoí enós sklávou?Did you read about the life of a slave?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΝαι, ήταν πολύ δύσκολη ζωή.Nai, ítan polý dýskoli zoí.Yes, it was a very difficult life.
- Μαρία MariaΠιστεύω ότι κάθε σκλάβος ήθελε την ελευθερία του.Pistévo óti káthe sklávos íthele tin elefthería tou.I believe every slave wanted their freedom.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΣίγουρα, Μαρία, είναι λογικό.Sígoura, María, einai logikó.Certainly, Maria, it is logical.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slave” translations and entries σκλάβος, δούλος, δούλα, δούλη, σκλάβα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries δούλα, δούλη, δούλος, σκλάβος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
