σηκώνομαι
sikónomai
To stand up in Greek is σηκώνομαι (sikónomai).
The verb is used to describe the action of rising from a sitting position.
Meaning: rise from a sitting position (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The term σηκώνομαι is a reflexive verb, which literally means 'I lift myself' or 'I raise myself'.
How do you pronounce it?
sikónomai
Did you know?
- The verb σηκώνομαι is also the standard way to say 'I wake up' or 'I get out of bed'.
- If a Greek person says σηκώσου as a command, it can be used figuratively to tell someone to 'get their act together' or start being productive.
- While σηκώνομαι means to stand up, the Greek word for 'standing' (the state of being upright) is όρθιος, which is a different root entirely.
Examples in context
- Σηκώστε και καθίστε όλοι, παρακαλώ.Please stand up and have a seat, everyone.
- Σηκώσου, φίλε.Stand up, friend.
- Σηκώσου από την καρέκλαStand up from the chair.
- Σηκώσου να χορέψουμεStand up, let's dance.
- Σηκώνομαι για να πάω έξω.Sikónomai gia na páo éxo.I am standing up to go outside.
- Πρέπει να σηκώνομαι πιο συχνά.Prépei na sikónomai pio sihná.I must stand up more often.
Example conversation
Kostas and Anastasia are sitting in a waiting room.
- Κώστας KostasΠιστεύω ότι είναι η σειρά μας.Pistevo oti einai i seira mas.I think it is our turn.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΤότε σηκώνομαι κι εγώ τώρα.Tote sikonomai ki ego tora.Then I stand up now too.
- Κώστας KostasΠεριμένουμε στην πόρτα.Perimenoume stin porta.We are waiting at the door.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΕίμαι έτοιμη, Κώστα.Eimai etimi, Kosta.I am ready, Kostas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stand up” translations and entries σηκώνομαι, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
