σύντομα
sýntoma
The Greek word for "soon" is σύντομα (sýntoma). Wiktionary also lists νωρίς (norís).
Meaning: within a short time (adv)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| σύντομα | sýntoma | |
| νωρίς | norís | /noˈris/ |
σύντομα is used to mean "soon" in the sense of "in a short amount of time" or "shortly".
What does it mean word for word?
The adverb σύντομα is the adverbial form of the adjective σύντομος, which means "short". It literally translates to "shortly" or "briefly".
Which one should you use?
σύντομα refers to something happening in a short amount of time. In contrast, νωρίς means "early," referring to an action happening at an early time.
How do you pronounce it?
sýntoma
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use νωρίς to mean "soon", but it specifically refers to being ahead of schedule or at an early hour.
Did you know?
- The word νωρίς actually contains a hidden reference to time, as it evolved from the Ancient Greek phrase ἐν ὥρᾳ, meaning 'in a period of time'.
- The root of σύντομα is shared with the word for 'short' in length, creating a conceptual link between physical distance and time.
- Greek uses the word ώρα not just for 'hour' but for 'season' or 'time' in a broader sense, which is why νωρίς relates to a specific period.
Examples in context
- Θα γίνει σύντομα καλά.He'll get well soon.This sentence shows how to use σύντομα regarding someone's health.Tatoeba #2788987 by Zeus, translation #392170 by CH
- Σύντομα θα 'ναι έτοιμο.It'll be ready soon.This sentence uses σύντομα to indicate when something will be ready.Tatoeba #5467655 by Zeus, translation #5467380 by CK
- Θα 'μαστε σύντομα σπίτι.We'll soon be home.This sentence uses σύντομα to describe arriving home in a short time.Tatoeba #5466032 by Zeus, translation #5465173 by CK
- Θα απολαύσετε την παράσταση σύντομα.You will enjoy the show soon.
- Οι αποφάσεις θα ληφθούν σύντομα.Decisions will be made soon.
- Ο διευθυντής θα έρθει αμέσως.The manager will come soon.
- Θα φύγω σε λίγο.I will leave soon.
- Ας συναντηθούμε σε λίγο για καφέ!Let's meet up for coffee soon!
- Ο φίλος μου είναι στο δρόμο, θα είναι εδώ σε λίγα λεπτά.My friend is on the way, he will be here in a few minutes.
- 37 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Dimitris are talking about a project deadline.
- Μαρία MariaΘα τελειώσεις τη δουλειά σου σύντομα;Tha teleiósis ti douleiá sou sýntoma?Will you finish your work soon?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΝαι, θα την τελειώσω σε λίγο.Nai, tha tin teleióso se lígo.Yes, I will finish it in a bit.
- Μαρία MariaΠρέπει να το στείλουμε σύντομα στον διευθυντή.Prépei na to steíloume sýntoma ston diefthyntí.We need to send it to the manager soon.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΈχεις δίκιο, θα το κάνω τώρα.Écheis díkio, tha to káno tóra.You are right, I will do it now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “soon” translations and entries σύντομα, νωρίς, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries νωρίς, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
