λιακάδα
liakada
In Greek, the English phrase 'sunshine' is expressed as λιακάδα (liakada).
The word refers to the direct rays of the sun.
Meaning: direct rays of the sun (noun)
Which one should you use?
The term ἡλιοφάνεια is used to refer to the phenomenon of sunshine, the presence of the sun or the sunlight itself.
How do you pronounce it?
liakada
Did you know?
- The word λιακάδα is etymologically linked to the word for a balcony, λιακό, highlighting how the Greeks traditionally catch the sun's rays.
- The ancient root ἥλιος not only forms these Greek words but also gives English the scientific terms 'heliocentric' and 'helium'.
- Unlike the English 'sunshine' which can be used metaphorically to describe a person's temperament, λιακάδα is almost exclusively used to describe literal weather or light.
Examples in context
- Η Ελλάδα έχει διακόσιες έντεκα μέρες με λιακάδα τον χρόνο.Greece has two hundred eleven days of sunshine a year.This sentence shows how to use λιακάδα when discussing the number of sunny days in a year.Tatoeba #11253887 by carlosalberto, translation #11253858 by carlosalberto
- Ἡ ἡλιοφάνεια είναι υπέροχηThe sunshine is beautiful
- Μου αρέσει αυτή η πόλη, πάντα έχει πολλό φωςI like this city, it always has a lot of sunshine
- Μόλις βγήκε η λιακάδα σήμερα.Molis vgi ke i liakada simera.The sunshine just came out today.
Example conversation
Two friends are planning a walk in the park.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΚυριακή, έβγαλε η λιακάδα σήμερα!Kyriakí, évgale i liakáda símera!Kyriaki, the sunshine has come out today!
- Κυριακή KyriakiΈχεις δίκιο, Δημήτρη, είναι υπέροχος καιρός.Écheis díkio, Dimítri, eínai ypérochos kairós.You are right, Dimitris, the weather is wonderful.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΘέλεις να πάμε για έναν περίπατο;Théleis na páme gia énan perípato?Do you want to go for a walk?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝαι, ας εκμεταλλευτούμε το φως!Nai, as ekmetallefoutoume to fos!Yes, let's make use of the light!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries λιακάδα, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
