Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ειδικός | eidikós | masculine | |
| ιδιαίτερος | idiaíteros | /iˈði̯e.te.ɾos/ /iˈðʝe.te.ɾos/ |
masculine |
In Greek, the word you choose for 'special' depends on whether you mean 'specialized' or 'unique'. You can use ειδικός to describe something that is specific, specialized or to refer to a professional expert (as a noun). For something that is unique, exceptional or of particular interest, use ιδιαίτερος. Additionally, if you are referring to an unusual or exceptional episode of a TV or radio series, the word έκτακτος is used, while a special limited-time reduction in cost or a deal is called a προσφορά.
Which one should you use?
Use ειδικός when referring to something specialized, specific or a professional expert. Use ιδιαίτερος when referring to something that is unique, exceptional or of particular interest.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word ειδικός changes based on gender: the feminine form is ειδική and the neuter form is ειδικό. Similarly, the word ιδιαίτερος has the feminine form ιδιαίτερη and the neuter form ιδιαίτερο.
How do you pronounce it?
eidikós
Did you know?
- The word ιδιαίτερος shares its root with the English word 'idiosyncrasy', which describes a person's peculiar or individual traits.
- If you use ειδικός to describe a person, you are calling them a 'professional' or 'specialist' rather than saying they are a 'special person' in an emotional sense.
Examples in context
- Έχουμε έναν ειδικό καλεσμένο για τη σημερινή εκδήλωση.We have a special guest for today's event.
- Είχαμε μια μοναδική εμπειρία στο ταξίδι μας.We had a unique experience on our trip.
- Καλή επιτυχία!Good luck!
Example conversation
George and Eleni are discussing a guest at a party.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΠοιος είναι αυτός ο κύριος;Poios einai aftos o kyrios?Who is this gentleman?
- Ελένη EleniΕίναι ένας ειδικός καλεσμένος για σήμερα.Einai enas eidikos kalesmenos gia simera.He is a special guest for today.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΧαίρομαι που τον γνωρίζω.Cheromai pou ton gnorizo.I am glad to meet him.
- Ελένη EleniΕίναι πολύ σημαντικός για εμάς.Einai poly simantikos gia emas.He is very important to us.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “special” translations and entries ειδικός, ιδιαίτερος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ειδικός, ιδιαίτερος, CC BY-SA 4.0.