μοναδικός
monadikós
The English word "unique" is translated into Greek as μοναδικός (monadikós).
μοναδικός is used to describe something that is one of a kind. This word generally carries positive connotations.
Meaning: one of a kind (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from μονάς, meaning 'unit' or 'one', which relates to the concept of a single unit or a monad.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form is μοναδικός, the feminine form is μοναδική and the neuter form is μοναδικό. For masculine plural nouns, use μοναδικοί.
How do you pronounce it?
monadikós
Did you know?
- The root of μοναδικός, the word μονάς, was used by the philosopher Pythagoras to describe the first cause of the universe and the source of all numbers.
- The Greek word μοναδικός is an etymological cousin to the word 'monastery', as both stem from the concept of being 'alone' or a 'single unit'.
- Because μοναδικός sounds so grand, using it to describe mundane objects like a 'unique spoon' might actually sound slightly ironic or overly dramatic to a native speaker.
Examples in context
- Καθένας είναι μοναδικός.Everyone is unique.This sentence demonstrates how to use μοναδικός to say that everyone is unique.Tatoeba #5485768 by Zeus, translation #2094643 by AlanF_US
- Αυτός ο πίνακας είναι μοναδικός.This painting is unique.
- Αυτό το κοσμήμα είναι μοναδικό.This piece of jewelry is unique.
- Η πόλη της Αθήνας έχει μοναδικές αρχαιολογικές θέσεις.The city of Athens has unique archaeological sites.
- Ανεξίτηλες αναμνήσεις δημιουργούνται από μοναδικές στιγμές.Indelible memories are created from unique moments.
Example conversation
Nikos and Maria are visiting an art gallery.
- Νίκος NikosΚοίτα αυτόν τον πίνακα, Μαρία!Koíta aftón ton pínaka, María!Look at this painting, Maria!
- Μαρία MariaΕίναι πραγματικά μοναδικός.Eínai pragmatiká monadikós.It is truly unique.
- Νίκος NikosΜου αρέσουν τα χρώματα.Mou arésoun ta chrómata.I like the colors.
- Μαρία MariaΕγώ επίσης, είναι υπέροχος.Egó epísis, eínai ypérochos.Me too, it is wonderful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unique” translations and entries μοναδικός, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
