κωμόπολη
komópoli
The Greek word for town is κωμόπολη (komópoli).
κωμόπολη is used to refer to a settlement or a smaller town.
Meaning: settlement (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound consisting of κώμη, meaning village or settlement and πόλη, meaning city or town.
Which one should you use?
While κωμόπολη refers to a smaller town or settlement, πόλη is the more common term used for a city or a larger urban center.
Is it said differently in some regions?
On some Greek islands, particularly in the Cyclades, locals might use the word χωριό to refer to a small town or village.
How do you pronounce it?
komópoli
Did you know?
- The word πόλη is the same root found in the English word 'police', as both stem from the concept of the 'polis' or the organized community.
- The word πόλη is the root for 'metropolis', as 'metro' comes from the Greek word for 'mother'. Thus, a 'metropolis' is literally a 'mother city'.
- Greek distinguishes between a 'village' χωριό and a 'town' κωμόπολη based on the presence of certain administrative services, not just the number of houses.
Examples in context
- Η Αθήνα είναι μια όμορφη πόλη.Athens is a beautiful town.
- Η πόλη της Θεσσαλονίκης είναι γνωστή για τον πολιτισμό της.The town of Thessaloniki is known for its culture.
- Η κωμόπολη μας έχει ένα μικρό λιμάνι.Our town has a small harbor.
- Η κωμόπολη είναι πολύ γραφική.I komopoli einai poly grafiki.The town is very picturesque.
- Ζω σε μια μικρή κωμόπολη.Zo se mia mikri komopoli.I live in a small town.
- Η κωμόπολη έχει πολλά καταστήματα.I komopoli echei polla katastimata.The town has many shops.
Example conversation
Nikos and Maria are discussing where they grew up.
- Νίκος NikosΠού μεγάλωσες, Μαρία;Poú megáloses, María?Where did you grow up, Maria?
- Μαρία MariaΜεγάλωσα σε μια κωμόπολη στην ορεινή περιοχή.Megálosa se mia komópoli stin oreiní periochí.I grew up in a town in the mountain region.
- Νίκος NikosΉταν ήσυχη η κωμόπολη;Ítan ísychi i komópoli?Was the town quiet?
- Μαρία MariaΝαι, ήταν πολύ ήσυχα εκεί.Nai, ítan polý ísycha ekéi.Yes, it was very quiet there.
