έξυπνος
éxypnos/ˈe.ksi.pnos/
The Greek word for smart is έξυπνος (éxypnos).
The word έξυπνος is used to describe someone or something that exhibits intellectual knowledge, such as that found in books.
Meaning: exhibiting intellectual knowledge, such as that found in books (adj)
Which one should you use?
While έξυπνος refers to intellectual quickness or cleverness, the word σοφός (wise) refers to deep, experienced wisdom.
How does it change in a sentence?
This adjective changes its ending based on the gender and number of the subject: use έξυπνη for a female subject, έξυπνο for a neuter noun, έξυπνοι for a group of males or a mixed-gender group and έξυπνες for a group of females.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈe.ksi.pnos/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word έξυπνος literally means 'out of sleep'. It combines έξ meaning 'out' and ὕπνος meaning 'sleep'.
- The root ὕπνος in έξυπνος is the direct ancestor of the English word 'hypnos', used in 'hypnosis'.
- In Greek, describing someone as έξυπνος can sometimes imply they are 'cunning' or 'sly' rather than just academic.
Examples in context
- Ο Τομ είναι έξυπνος.Tom is smart.This sentence is useful for showing how to use έξυπνος with a masculine subject.Tatoeba #5453476 by Zeus, translation #1024870 by CK
- Ο σκύλος είναι έξυπνος.The dog is smart.Tatoeba #5414524 by Zeus, translation #558999 by djinni74
- Αυτός είναι έξυπνος, αλλά όχι σοφός.He's smart, but not wise.This sentence is useful for contrasting έξυπνος with the concept of being wise.Tatoeba #1802490 by glavkos, translation #9680816 by Nylez
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anastasia and Kostas are discussing a classmate.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΠιστεύεις ότι ο νέος μαθητής είναι έξυπνος;Pistéveis óti o néos mathitís eínai éxypnos?Do you think the new student is smart?
- Κώστας KostasΝαι, διαβάζει πολλά δύσκολα βιβλία.Nai, diavázei pollá dýskola vivlía.Yes, he reads many difficult books.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΠρέπει να τον ζητήσουμε για βοήθεια.Prépei na ton zitísoume gia voítheia.We should ask him for help.
- Κώστας KostasΣυμφωνώ, είναι πραγματικά έξυπνος.Symfonó, eínai pragmatiká éxypnos.I agree, he is really smart.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry έξυπνος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries έξυπνος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
