χρόνος
chrónos/ˈxɾo.nos/masculine
The Greek word for time is χρόνος (chrónos).
χρόνος is a masculine noun used to describe time as a duration, a specific period or a chronological era. It is also the root of the verb χρονομετρώ, which means to measure time.
Meaning: measurement of a quantity of time (noun)
Which one should you use?
Use χρόνος when referring to a duration or a period of time. For a specific point in time or to discuss the weather, the word καιρός is used instead.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The genitive plural form of this noun is χρόνων, which translates to 'of years' or 'of time'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈxɾo.nos/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
When do people say it?
In Greece, the 24-hour clock is commonly used, particularly in formal settings.
Did you know?
- In Greek mythology, Χρόνος was the personification of time, often confused with the Titan Cronus, the father of Zeus.
- In Greek, the word for 'weather' is καιρός, meaning that a weather forecast is literally a 'forecast of opportunities' or 'moments'.
- The English word 'chronic', used to describe a long-lasting illness, derives from the same Greek root as χρόνος.
Examples in context
- Ο χρόνος θα δείξει.Time will tell.Tatoeba #5606956 by Zeus, translation #535287 by darinmex
- Ο χρόνος είναι χρήμα.Time is money.Tatoeba #5452396 by Zeus, translation #566026 by CK
- Ο χρόνος είναι ο καλύτερος γιατρός.Time heals all wounds.Tatoeba #2405377 by mululatv, translation #263894 by CK
- Μια και κάτιA little after one
- Τέταρτο πάνωA quarter past
- Είναι τρεις και δέκαIt's three ten (3:10)
- Οι παραστάσεις ξεκινούν στις δέκα το βράδυThe shows start at ten in the evening
- Πότε θα βρεθούμε;When shall we meet?
- Το πρωί γύρω στις εννέα θα είναι καλά;Around nine in the morning would be fine?
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anastasia is asking Nikos if he has enough time to help her.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΈχεις χρόνο να με βοηθήσεις τώρα;Écheis chróno na me voithíseis tóra?Do you have time to help me now?
- Νίκος NikosΝαι, έχω αρκετό χρόνο σήμερα.Nai, écho arketó chróno símera.Yes, I have plenty of time today.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΤόσο χρόνος είναι πολύTóso chrónos einai polýThat much time is a lot.
- Νίκος NikosΜην ανησυχείς, ο χρόνος δεν με πιέζει.Min anisychéis, o chrónos den me piézei.Don't worry, time is not pressing me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “time” translations and entries χρόνος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
