πνεύμα
pnévma/ˈpnev.ma/neuter
The Greek word for spirit is πνεύμα (pnévma).
πνεύμα refers to spirit or intellect. In secular or academic contexts, it is often used to describe the essence of a subject, culture or the intellect rather than a supernatural entity.
Meaning: soul (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word πνεύμα is etymologically related to the concept of breath or wind.
Which one should you use?
While πνεύμα translates to spirit, the word ψυχή is the more common term used specifically for the 'soul' in a psychological or religious sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
πνεύμα is a neuter noun. The genitive singular form, meaning 'of the spirit', is πνεύματος. The plural form, meaning 'spirits', is πνεύματα.
How do you pronounce it?
pnévma. The stress is on the first of the two syllables.
Did you know?
- The word πνεύμα is the direct ancestor of the English medical term 'pneumonia', which is an inflammation of the lungs.
- In Ancient Greek philosophy, πνεύμα was sometimes viewed as a physical substance that flowed through the arteries to animate the body.
- Because πνεύμα means both 'spirit' and 'wind', ancient texts sometimes used the word to create puns between divine inspiration and a physical breeze.
Examples in context
- οι τιτάνες της τέχνης και του πνεύματοςThe titans of art and spirit (intellect/culture)This sentence shows the use of πνεύμα to refer to art and intellect.
- Τα βιβλία είναι τροφή του πνεύματος.Books are the food of the spirit.This sentence illustrates the metaphorical use of πνεύμα as food.Tatoeba #9946656 by Nylez, translation #9996431 by Nylez
- Τι είναι πνεύμα;What is a spirit?This sentence is a question asking about the definition of πνεύμα.Tatoeba #11939287 by carlosalberto, translation #11939272 by carlosalberto
- Το πνεύμα της φιλοξενίας είναι χαρακτηριστικό του ελληνικού πολιτισμού.The spirit of hospitality is characteristic of Greek culture.
- Η ψυχή της μητέρας μου είναι πάντα γεμάτη αγάπη.My mother's spirit is always filled with love.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a deep philosophical topic.
- Ελένη EleniΠιστεύεις ότι το πνεύμα είναι αθάνατο;Pistéveis óti to pnévma eínai athánato?Do you believe that the spirit is immortal?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΝαι, νομίζω πως το πνεύμα συνεχίζει να υπάρχει.Ne, nomízo pos to pnévma sinechízei na ypárxei.Yes, I think the spirit continues to exist.
- Ελένη EleniΕίναι ένα πολύ δύσκολο θέμα για συζήτηση.Eínai éna polý dýskolo théma gia syzítisi.It is a very difficult topic for discussion.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΑλλά είναι συναρπαστικό να το σκέφτεσαι.Allá eínai synarpástiko na to skéftese.But it is fascinating to think about.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spirit” translations and entries πνεύμα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries πνεύμα, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
