Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| στρίβω | strívo | /ˈstɾi.vo/ |
| γυρίζω | gyrízo | /ʝiˈɾi.zo/ |
| στρέφω | stréfo | /ˈstɾe.fo/ |
These verbs are used to describe changing the direction or orientation of something. The noun στροφή refers to a physical turn, such as a bend in a road or a turn in a dance, while σειρά refers to a chance to use (something) shared in sequence with others.
Which one should you use?
The choice of verb depends on the nuance of the movement: στρίβω is used specifically for twisting, screwing or rotating an object like a screw or a knob. στρέφω is often used when describing a person or object turning to face a certain direction or orientation. γυρίζω is commonly used for the act of turning around, circling or returning to a place. Furthermore, γυρίζω and the informal Γυρνάω can be used interchangeably to refer to objects, people or vehicles turning.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of στρίβω is /ˈstɾi.vo/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The verb γυρίζω is also the standard term used in Greek when talking about filming a movie or 'shooting' a scene.
- The verb στρίβω evolved from the Ancient Greek root στρέφω through a specific phonetic shift where the letter 'ψ' changed to 'β'. This pattern is also seen in the verb for 'steal', where κλέπτω became κλέβω.
- While 'turn' in English can mean 'to become', the Greek verb γυρίζω is most often used to mean 'to go around' or 'to return'. If you want to say you are turning into a doctor, you would not use this verb.
Examples in context
- Παρακαλώ, στρίψτε αριστερά στο επόμενο σταυροδρόμι.Please turn left at the next intersection.
- Στρίψε αριστερά στο επόμενο φανάρι.Turn left at the next traffic light.
- Στρίψε από τον κόμβο αριστερά.Turn left from the roundabout.
- Στρίβω το κλειδί στην κλειδαριά.Strívo to kleedí stin kleedaría.I turn the key in the lock.
Example conversation
Eleni and Dimitris are in a car looking for an address.
- Ελένη EleniΔημήτρη, στρίψε αριστερά στον επόμενο δρόμο.Dimítri, strípse aristerá ston epómeno drómo.Dimitris, turn left at the next street.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΕντάξει, στρίβω τώρα.Entáxei, strívo tóra.Okay, I am turning now.
- Ελένη EleniΠού είναι η είσοδος;Poú eínai i eisódos?Where is the entrance?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΕίναι εδώ μπροστά.Eínai edó mprostá.It is right here in front.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “turn” translations and entries στρίβω, γυρίζω, στρέφω, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries γυρίζω, στρέφω, στρίβω, CC BY-SA 4.0.
