ψηλός
psilós/psiˈlos/
The Greek word for "tall" is ψηλός (psilós).
ψηλός is used specifically to describe the height of a person.
Meaning: of a person (adj)
Which one should you use?
While ψηλός describes a person's height, υψηλός is used for abstract concepts such as "high prices" or "high standards".
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the person being described: ψηλή is the feminine form, ψηλό is the neuter form, ψηλοί is the masculine plural form and ψηλές is the feminine plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
psilós
Did you know?
- In Greek, the concept of being 'tall' can be used idiomatically to describe someone who is arrogant or 'acting high and mighty' using the root of υψηλός.
- The word ψηλός actually originated from the Ancient Greek word ὑψηλός, but it lost its initial syllable over time through a linguistic process called aphesis.
- In Greek culture, calling someone ψηλός is a neutral observation, but pairing it with λεπτός 'slender' is a common way to express that someone has a model-like physique.
Examples in context
- Ο Τομ είναι ψηλός.Tom is tall.This sentence uses ψηλός to describe Tom.Tatoeba #5453470 by Zeus, translation #1024843 by CK
- Ο άντρας είναι ψηλός.The man is tall.This sentence uses ψηλός to describe a man.Tatoeba #2983924 by Zeus, translation #2983752 by ToxicFriu
- Είναι ψηλός και αθλητικός.He's tall and athletic.This sentence uses ψηλός to describe a person who is also athletic.Tatoeba #3000400 by mululatv, translation #2514149 by Hybrid
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a new coworker at the office.
- Νίκος NikosΕίναι ψηλός ο νέος υπάλληλος;Einai psilos o neos ypallilos;Is the new employee tall?
- Μαρία MariaΝαι, είναι πολύ ψηλός.Ne, einai poly psilos.Yes, he is very tall.
- Νίκος NikosΤον βλέπω από μακριά.Ton vlepo apo makria.I see him from far away.
- Μαρία MariaΠράγματι, ξεχωρίζει στον χώρο.Pragmati, xechorizei ston choro.Indeed, he stands out in the room.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tall” translations and entries ψηλός, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ψηλός, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
