πειρασμός
peirasmós
The Greek word for temptation is πειρασμός (peirasmós).
πειρασμός refers to something attractive, tempting or seductive. While it can be used for secular temptations, the word carries a strong religious connotation in Greek, often referring to the temptations of the devil or spiritual trials.
Meaning: something attractive, tempting or seductive (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the verb πειράζω (peirázō), meaning 'to test' or 'to try', implying that a temptation is a test of one's character or faith.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'of temptation', use the genitive singular form πειρασμού (peirasmoú). To express 'temptations', use the plural form πειρασμοί (peirasmí).
How do you pronounce it?
peirasmós
Did you know?
- The verb πειράζω, from which the noun is derived, is the same word used in Greek to describe 'experimenting' with or 'testing' a new piece of equipment.
- The verb πειράζω, from which πειρασμός comes, can also mean 'to provoke' or 'to tease' someone in a playful, non-religious way in modern conversational Greek.
- While English distinguishes between 'temptation' and 'trial', Greek uses πειρασμός for both, suggesting that every difficult trial is a form of temptation and vice versa.
Examples in context
- Το γλυκό ήταν μεγάλος πειρασμός.To glyko itan megalos peirasmos.The sweet was a big temptation.
Example conversation
Eleni and Georgos are looking at a dessert menu.
- Ελένη EleniΚοίτα αυτή τη τούρτα, Γιώργο!Koíta aftí ti túrta, Giórgo!Look at this cake, Georgos!
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕίναι πραγματικός πειρασμός για μένα.Eínai pragmatikós peirasmós gia ména.It is a real temptation for me.
- Ελένη EleniΑς την παραγγείλουμε λοιπόν.As tin parangeíloume loipón.Let's order it then.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΣυμφωνώ, δεν αντέχω πια.Symfonó, den antécho pia.I agree, I can't stand it anymore.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry πειρασμός, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
