ψυχή
psychí/psiˈçi/feminine
The Greek word for soul is ψυχή (psychí).
ψυχή refers to the spirit or essence of a person that is often believed to live on after the person's death. Like in English, ψυχή can be used metaphorically to mean the 'essence' or 'heart' of an abstract concept, such as a movement or an institution.
Meaning: the spirit or essence of a person that is often believed to live on after the person's death (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
ψυχή is a feminine noun. The plural form of ψυχή is ψυχές, and the genitive singular form, used to indicate possession or 'of the soul', is της ψυχής.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is psychí. The IPA is /psiˈçi/.
Did you know?
- If a Greek speaker describes someone as having a 'big ψυχή', they are not talking about their spirit, but rather saying the person is very courageous or has a 'big heart'.
- The word ψυχή is the root of the English word 'psyche'. In Greek mythology, Psyche was the personification of the soul and the wife of Eros.
- In its original Ancient Greek form, the root of ψυχή was closely linked to the word for 'breath' or 'to blow'.
Examples in context
- Δεν υπάρχει ψυχή εδω.There's not a soul here.This sentence shows how to express that no people are present using ψυχή.Tatoeba #10677933 by amoeba, translation #10675880 by sundown
- Η ψυχή σου χρειάζεται να σωθεί.Your soul needs to be saved.This sentence uses ψυχή to talk about spiritual salvation.Tatoeba #3747326 by ggia, translation #1214905 by eadbannon
- Η προσωπική ελευθερία είναι η ψυχή της δημοκρατίας.Personal freedom is the soul of democracy.This sentence demonstrates the metaphorical use of ψυχή regarding the essence of democracy.Tatoeba #3747330 by ggia, translation #9266795 by Nylez
- Η ψυχή είναι αθάνατη.The soul is immortal.
- Ο μεγάλος φιλόσοφος διερευνά τη φύση της ψυχής.The great philosopher explores the nature of the soul.
- Η ψυχή μου είναι γεμάτη αγάπη.My soul is filled with love.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nikos and Kyriaki are discussing life after death.
- Νίκος NikosΠιστεύεις ότι η ψυχή είναι αθάνατη;Pisteueis oti i psyche einai athanati?Do you believe that the soul is immortal?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝαι, πιστεύω ότι η ψυχή συνεχίζει να υπάρχει.Nai, pisteuo oti i psyche sinechizei na yparxei.Yes, I believe that the soul continues to exist.
- Νίκος NikosΠού πηγαίνει η ψυχή μετά τον θάνατο;Pou pigainei i psyche meta ton thanato?Where does the soul go after death?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΑυτό είναι το μυστήριο της ψυχής, Νίκο.Auto einai to mystirio tis psychis, Niko.That is the mystery of the soul, Nikos.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “soul” translations and entries ψυχή, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ψυχή, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
