What does it mean word for word?
The noun έκπληξη is derived from the verb εκπλήσσω. It combines the prefix έκ- (out) with the root πληξ- (strike/hit), suggesting a sense of being 'struck out' or hit by something unexpected.
Which one should you use?
While έκπληξη is the noun for the feeling or the event itself, εκπλήσσω is the transitive verb used when you are the one performing the action of surprising someone else. You may also encounter the verb ξαφνιάζω, which is specifically used for a sudden, startling surprise like a jump scare, whereas εκπλήσσω is more general and can be used for pleasant or intellectual surprises.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
έκπληξη is a feminine noun, so any accompanying adjectives must also be in the feminine form, such as μεγάλη έκπληξη (great surprise).
How do you pronounce it?
ékplixi
Did you know?
- The colloquial exclamation Άντε ρε! expresses surprise but translates more literally to 'Go on, man!', showing how Greeks use imperative verbs to signal disbelief.
- The word έκπληξη originates from the Ancient Greek word ἔκπληξις.
- In Greek, the noun έκπληξη is feminine, meaning that even an 'unexpected' or 'masculine' event must be described with feminine adjectives.
Examples in context
- Ανακάλυψα προς μεγάλη μου έκπληξη, πως ήταν πεθαμένη.I found, to my surprise, that she was dead.This sentence shows how to use έκπληξη in the idiomatic phrase 'to my great surprise'.Tatoeba #2429678 by mululatv, translation #18894 by CK
- Έχω μια έκπληξη για σένα.I have a surprise for you.This sentence shows how to use έκπληξη to describe a surprise intended for someone.Tatoeba #14046289 by carlosalberto, translation #237681 by CK
- Έκπληξη!Surprise!This sentence shows how to use έκπληξη as a standalone exclamation.Tatoeba #11496825 by carlosalberto, translation #6176215 by sundown
- Η είδηση μου προκάλεσε μεγάλη έκπληξη.The news surprised me greatly.
- Παραξενεύομαι που δεν το ήξερες.I'm surprised that you didn't know.
Example conversation
Nikou and Kyriaki are talking about a party.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΉταν μεγάλη η έκπληξη μου στο πάρτι.I tan megali i ekplixi mou sto parti.My surprise at the party was great.
- Νίκος NikosΔεν το περίμενα καθόλου, Κυριακή.Den to perimena katholou, Kyriaki.I didn't expect it at all, Kyriaki.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΌλοι οι φίλοι μας ήταν εκεί.Oloi oi fili mas itan ekei.All our friends were there.
- Νίκος NikosΉταν μια υπέροχη έκπληξη για μένα.Itan mia iperochi ekplixi gia mena.It was a wonderful surprise for me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “surprise” translations and entries έκπληξη, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries έκπληξη, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
