κλέφτης
kléftis/ˈkle.ftis/masculine
The Greek word for thief is κλέφτης (kléftis).
The term κλέφτης is a masculine noun used to describe a person who carries out theft.
Meaning: one who carries out theft (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of κλέφτης is κλέφτες. You may also encounter the diminutive form κλεφτάκια, which is often used to refer to small-time thieves or children who steal small things.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈkle.ftis/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In Greek history, the κλέφτες were not just common criminals but celebrated guerrilla fighters who resisted Ottoman rule in the mountains.
- Historically, the κλέφτες developed a distinct culture and dress code that later influenced the traditional costume of the Greek Evzones guards.
- The English word 'kleptomania' comes directly from the root of κλέφτης, as it shares the same ancient Greek origin for stealing.
Examples in context
- Ξέρω ποιος είναι ο κλέφτης.I know who the thief is.Tatoeba #4707001 by pinkmpnster, translation #2376495 by CK
- Ο κλέφτης μεταμφιέστηκε σε αστυνομικό.The thief disguised himself as a policeman.Tatoeba #4375619 by Tensai, translation #44938 by pne
- Αυτός δεν είναι κλέφτης.He's not a thief.Tatoeba #10165158 by abi, translation #10159522 by shekitten
- Δεν μπορώ να πιστέψω ότι ένας κλέφτης μπήκε στο σπίτι μου.I can't believe a thief entered my house.
- Υποβάλλω καταγγελία για τον κλέπτη της τσάντας μου.I'm filing a complaint against the thief who stole my bag.
- Ο κλέπτης συνελήφθη από την αστυνομία.The thief has been apprehended by the police.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kostas and Anastasia are discussing a stolen wallet.
- Κώστας KostasΠιστεύεις ότι ο κλέφτης είχε το πορτοφόλι;Pisteueis oti o kleftis eiche to portofolio;Do you think the thief had the wallet?
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΝαι, το πήρε από την τσάντα μου.Nai, to pire apo tin tsanda mou.Yes, he took it from my bag.
- Κώστας KostasΠρέπει να βρούμε τον κλέφτη γρήγορα.Prepei na vroume ton klefti grygora.We must find the thief quickly.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΈχεις δίκαιο, Κώστα.Echeis dikaio, Kosta.You are right, Kostas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thief” translations and entries κλέφτης, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
