σήμερα
símera/ˈsi.me.ra/
The Greek word for today is σήμερα (símera). Wiktionary also lists σάμερον (sámeron).
Meaning: on the current day (adv)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| σήμερα | símera | /ˈsi.me.ra/ |
| σάμερον | sámeron |
The word is primarily used as an adverb meaning on the current day. It can also function as a noun to mean today.
Which one should you use?
While σήμερα is the standard modern form, σάμερον is an archaic or highly literary version that is not used in everyday modern Greek speech.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Crete, σήμερις is a dialectal variation of σήμερα.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables. The stress is on the first syllable: /ˈsi.me.ra/.
Did you know?
- The modern form σήμερα evolved its ending to match τώρα, the Greek word for 'now'.
- Greek uses the word σήμερα in the expression σήμερα σε μια τέτοια μέρα, which functions like the English 'on this very day' to mark anniversaries.
- In Ancient Greek, the root of σήμερα functioned as an adverb that did not follow the typical noun ending rules of the language.
Examples in context
- Τι θα φας σήμερα;What'll you eat today?This sentence shows how to use σήμερα when asking about eating.Tatoeba #5600370 by Zeus, translation #5251732 by CK
- Δε θα έρθει σήμερα.She won't come today.This sentence uses σήμερα to express that someone will not arrive on this day.Tatoeba #5518427 by Zeus, translation #3812739 by Eldad
- Το πάρτι είναι σήμερα.The party is today.This sentence uses σήμερα to indicate the time of an event.Tatoeba #5512382 by Zeus, translation #5506418 by mailohilohi
- σήμερα το βράδυTonight
- Σήμερα πηγαίνω στην παραλίαToday, I am going to the beach
- 186 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dimitris and Kyriaki are talking about their work schedule.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΕργάζεσαι σήμερα, Κυριακή;Ergázesai símera, Kyriáki?Are you working today, Kyriaki?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΌχι, σήμερα είναι η μέρα της ανάπαυσης.Óchi, símera eínai i méra tis anápafsis.No, today is my day off.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΤότε μπορούμε να βγούμε έξω σήμερα.Tóte boroúme na vgoúme éxo símera.Then we can go out today.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝαι, ας πάμε σήμερα το απόγευμα.Nai, as páme símera to apógévma.Yes, let's go today in the afternoon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “today” translations and entries σήμερα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries σήμερα, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
