σπαθί
spathíneuter
The English word sword is translated into Greek as σπαθί (spathí) or ξίφος.
Meaning: weapon (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| σπαθί | spathí | neuter | |
| ξίφος | xífos | /ˈksi.fos/ | neuter |
Both words refer to the weapon known as a sword.
Which one should you use?
σπαθί is the most common word for a sword in modern everyday Greek, whereas ξίφος is a more formal or literary term often used in historical or epic contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural, use σπαθιά for σπαθί and ξίφη for ξίφος. Both singular forms are neuter nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
spathí
Did you know?
- The word σπαθί is a distant relative of the English word 'spatula'. Both come from the Ancient Greek σπάθη, which referred to a broad, flat piece of wood or metal.
- In Modern Greek, σπαθί is used in the name of the traditional 'Sword Dance', a ritual performed in certain regions to honor ancestors or celebrate victories.
- While σπαθί is the general term for a sword, the word ξίφος specifically evokes the short, double-edged leaf-shaped blade used by the soldiers of Ancient Greece.
Examples in context
- Αυτό το σπαθί έχει μια παράξενη ιστορία.This sword has a strange history.This sentence is useful for describing the history of a σπαθί.Tatoeba #7272837 by amoeba, translation #57655 by CK
- Η θεά έδωσε στον πολεμιστή ένα σπαθί και μια ασπίδα.The goddess gave the warrior a sword and a shield.This sentence is useful for describing a goddess giving a σπαθί to a warrior.Tatoeba #11582373 by carlosalberto, translation #11582357 by carlosalberto
Example conversation
Anastasia and Kostas are visiting a museum of ancient history.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΚώστα, κοίτα αυτό το παλιό σπαθί!Kósta, koíta aftó to palió spathí!Kostas, look at this old sword!
- Κώστας KostasΕίναι εντυπωσιακό, αλλά φαίνεται σκουριασμένο.Eínai entyposiakó, allá faínetai skouriasméno.It is impressive, but it looks rusty.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΠιστεύεις ότι ήταν πραγματικό σπαθί μάχης;Pistéveis óti ítan pragmatikó spathí máchis?Do you think it was a real battle sword?
- Κώστας KostasΝαι, μάλλον χρησιμοποιήθηκε σε πολέμους.Nai, mállon chrisimopiíthike se polémous.Yes, it was probably used in wars.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sword” translations and entries σπαθί, ξίφος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ξίφος, σπαθί, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
