υποφέρω
ypoféro/i.poˈfe.ɾo/
The English verb 'suffer' can be translated into Greek as υποφέρω (ypoféro) or πάσχω.
Meaning: feel pain (verb)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| υποφέρω | ypoféro | /i.poˈfe.ɾo/ |
| πάσχω | páscho | /ˈpa.sxo/ |
Both forms express the act of feeling pain. There is also an informal expression Καηματίζομαι used specifically to convey suffering caused by longing or unrequited love.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb υποφέρω is composed of the prefix υπο– meaning 'under' and the verb φέρω meaning 'to bear' or 'to carry', literally translating to 'to bear under'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb πάσχω is typically used as an intransitive verb, meaning it does not require a direct object to indicate what is being suffered.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization of υποφέρω is ypoféro. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable: /i.poˈfe.ɾo/.
Did you know?
- The Greek verb πάσχω is the root of the English word 'passion'. While 'passion' now often means intense desire, it originally described the act of suffering, as seen in the 'Passion of Christ'.
- In Ancient Greek, πάσχω was often used to describe the experience of a divine visitation or a fate imposed by the gods, rather than just personal pain.
- The verb υποφέρω can be used to describe not just physical pain, but also the act of putting up with a difficult person or an annoying situation.
Examples in context
- Υποφέρω εξαιτίας σου.I suffer because of you.This sentence is useful for expressing that the speaker suffers because of someone else using υποφέρω.Tatoeba #8359698 by carlosalberto, translation #11146042 by Fenrir
- Βασανίζεται πολύ όταν βλέπει τα παιδιά της να πάσχουν.She suffers greatly when she sees her children suffering.
- Καηματίζεται για τον χαμένο έρωτα της.She suffers from the lost love.
Example conversation
Kostas tells Kyriaki about his health issues.
- Κώστας KostasΚυριακή, υποφέρω από πόνους στη μέση.Kyriakí, ypoféro apó pónous sti mési.Kyriaki, I am suffering from back pain.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΠρέπει να πας σε έναν γιατρό, Κώστα.Prépei na pas se énan yatró, Kósta.You should go to a doctor, Kostas.
- Κώστας KostasΈχεις δίκιο, δεν αντέχω άλλο.Écheis díkio, den antékho állo.You are right, I can't stand it anymore.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΘα σε συνοδεύσω στο ραντεβού σου.Tha se synodéfso sto rantevoú sou.I will accompany you to your appointment.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “suffer” translations and entries υποφέρω, πάσχω, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
