μελετώ
meletó/me.leˈto/alternative form
To study in Greek is expressed by the verb μελετώ (meletó) or its variant μελετάω.
Meaning: to acquire knowledge (verb)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| μελετώ | meletó | /me.leˈto/ | alternative form |
| μελετάω | meletáo | /me.leˈta.o/ |
These verbs are used to describe the process of acquiring knowledge through deep, analytical study or research into a specific subject.
Which one should you use?
While both forms refer to the same verb, μελετώ is often seen in more formal or academic contexts involving research, whereas μελετάω is a common alternative. Note that for general schoolwork or preparing for exams, speakers often use the more colloquial verb διαβάζω, which literally means 'to read'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Both μελετώ and μελετάω are first-person singular present indicative forms, meaning 'I study'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the third syllable: me-le-TÓ (/me.leˈto/).
Did you know?
- While μελετώ means 'to study', the common word for schoolwork, διαβάζω, literally means 'to read'. A student might say they are 'reading' for an exam even if they are solving math problems.
- In Ancient Greek, the root of μελετώ meant 'to think' or 'to care for'. The meaning evolved from a general state of mind to the specific act of academic study.
- The difference between μελετώ and διαβάζω is so sharp that using μελετώ for simple homework might sound overly dramatic or pretentious to a native speaker.
Examples in context
- Μ' αρέσει να μελετώ γλώσσες.I like to study languages.This example shows how to express a liking for studying languages using μελετώ.Tatoeba #2464453 by Zeus, translation #2464364 by CM
- Μ' αρέσει να μελετάω Αγγλικά.I like to study English.This example shows how to express a liking for studying English using μελετάω.Tatoeba #5544376 by Zeus, translation #256239 by CN
- Μ' αρέσει να μελετάω Γαλλικά.I like to study French.This example shows how to express a liking for studying French using μελετάω.Tatoeba #5606944 by Zeus, translation #2451643 by CK
- Η μελέτη της ιστορίας είναι σημαντική.The study of history is important.
- Ασχολούμαι με τη μελέτη της φιλοσοφίας.I am engaged in the study of philosophy.
- Πρέπει να μάθεις πώς να μαθαίνεις αποτελεσματικά.You need to learn how to study effectively.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anastasia and Nikos are talking about their university projects.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΤι μελετώ για την εργασία μου;Ti meletó gia tin ergasía mou?What do I study for my project?
- Νίκος NikosΠρέπει να διαβάσεις το βιβλίο.Prépei na diavásis to vivlío.You need to read the book.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΘέλω να μελετώ αυτό το θέμα περισσότερο.Thélo na meletó aftó to théma perissótero.I want to study this topic more.
- Νίκος NikosΣυμφωνώ, είναι πολύ ενδιαφέρον.Symfonó, eínai polý endiaféron.I agree, it is very interesting.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “study” translations and entries μελετώ, μελετάω, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries μελετάω, μελετώ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
