θείος
theíos/ˈθi.os/masculine
The Greek word for uncle is θείος (theíos).
The noun θείος refers to the brother or brother-in-law of someone's parent. When referring to an uncle by name, you can say θείος followed by the name.
Meaning: brother (or brother-in-law) of someone’s parent (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form is θείος. The genitive singular form of uncle is θείου. The feminine form for aunt is θείες.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word θείος shares a historical linguistic root with the word θεός, which means 'god'.
- In modern Greek, θείος can also be used as a term of endearment or respect for an older man, even if there is no family relation.
- While 'uncle' in English is gender-neutral regarding which side of the family they belong to, Greek speakers often distinguish between maternal and paternal uncles using different descriptive terms.
Examples in context
- Ο θείος μου παίζει κιθάρα.My uncle plays the guitar.This sentence shows how to use θείος to describe an activity.Tatoeba #3014352 by glavkos, translation #6157565 by amoeba
- Ο θείος μου είναι πλούσιος.My uncle is rich.This sentence shows how to use θείος to describe a characteristic.Tatoeba #2697357 by Zeus, translation #1388690 by Spamster
- Ο θείος μου είναι θυμωμένος.My uncle is angry.This sentence shows how to use θείος to describe an emotion.Tatoeba #5613336 by Zeus, translation #1003043 by Shishir
- Καλησπέρα θείε, πώς είστε;Good evening, uncle, how are you?
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nikos and Maria are discussing a family gathering.
- Νίκος NikosΘα έρθει ο θείος σου στο πάρτι;Tha erthi o theios sou sto parti;Will your uncle come to the party?
- Μαρία MariaΝαι, ο θείος μου έρχεται αργότερα.Nai, o theios mou erchetai argotera.Yes, my uncle is coming later.
- Νίκος NikosΤον ξέρω πολύ καλά.Ton xero poli kala.I know him very well.
- Μαρία MariaΕίναι πολύ ευγενικός άνθρωπος.Einai poly evgenikos anthropos.He is a very kind person.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “uncle” translations and entries θείος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries θείος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
