αλήθεια
alítheia/aˈli.θça/feminine
The English word 'truth' is translated into Greek as αλήθεια (alítheia). Wiktionary also lists ορθότητα (orthótita).
Meaning: conformity to fact or reality (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| αλήθεια | alítheia | /aˈli.θça/ | feminine |
| ορθότητα | orthótita | /oɾˈθo.ti.ta/ | feminine |
αλήθεια refers to the abstract concept of truth or conformity to reality. It is also frequently used as an interjection to express surprise or disbelief, functioning much like saying 'Really?' or 'Is that true?' in English.
Which one should you use?
While αλήθεια refers to the abstract concept of truth, ορθότητα is used when referring to technical correctness, accuracy or precision.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a feminine noun, αλήθεια takes feminine adjectives.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable. The romanization is alítheia.
Did you know?
- The word ορθότητα shares a root with the English word 'orthodontist', both coming from the idea of 'straightness'.
- While αλήθεια covers general truth, the word ορθός carries the additional connotation of being 'straight' or 'upright' in a moral sense.
Examples in context
- Πες του την αλήθεια.Tell him the truth.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of αλήθεια when telling the truth to someone.Tatoeba #5309244 by pinkmpnster, translation #3907986 by CH
- Πες μας την αλήθεια.Tell us the truth.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of αλήθεια when telling the truth to a group.Tatoeba #5517323 by Zeus, translation #4502566 by CK
- Πες της την αλήθεια.Tell her the truth.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of αλήθεια when telling the truth to a woman.Tatoeba #5549475 by Zeus, translation #3907987 by CH
- 95 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giorgos and Eleni are discussing a news report.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΑναζητάμε την αλήθεια.Anazitame tin alitheia.We are looking for the truth.
- Ελένη EleniΗ αλήθεια είναι δύσκολη.I alitheia einai dyskoli.The truth is difficult.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΠρέπει να μάθουμε την αλήθεια.Prepei na mathoume tin alitheia.We must learn the truth.
- Ελένη EleniΕλπίζω να βρεθεί η αλήθεια.Elpizo na vreithei i alitheia.I hope the truth is found.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “truth” translations and entries αλήθεια, ορθότητα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries αλήθεια, ορθότητα, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
