πάνω
páno
The Greek word for "up" is πάνω (páno).
The word πάνω is used as an adverb to mean "away from earth’s surface" or as a preposition meaning "toward the top". In the context of physical movement, such as the instruction to "stand up", it indicates the direction of the action.
Meaning: away from earth’s surface (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, πάνω means "above" or "on top".
Which one should you use?
The antonym of πάνω (up/above) is κάτω (down/below).
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
páno
Did you know?
- The word πάνω is frequently paired with κάτω in the expression πάνω κάτω, meaning something is turned upside down or in total chaos.
- The word πάνω descends from the Ancient Greek word ἐπάνω, which added a prefix to the root to specify a more precise direction.
- In Greek, saying something is πάνω can sometimes imply it is 'on' an object, whereas in English, 'up' almost always implies vertical movement or height.
Examples in context
- Ο Τομ είπε στη Μαίρη να σηκωθεί πάνω.Tom told Mary to stand up.This sentence shows how to use πάνω to describe the direction of standing.Tatoeba #7782857 by eypros, translation #7782749 by CK
- Σήκω πάνω!Stand up!This sentence is a direct command using πάνω.Tatoeba #1319354 by enteka, translation #325429 by CK
- Παρακαλώ ανεβείτε τις σκάλες.Please go up the stairs.
- Έλα, ας ανέβουμε πάνω στο βουνό.Come on, let's go up the mountain.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anastasia and Kostas are looking at a balloon.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΚόστα, δες το μπαλόνι πάνω!Kósta, des to balóni páno!Kostas, look at the balloon up there!
- Κώστας KostasΕίναι πολύ ψηλά.Eínai polý psilá.It is very high.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΠηγαίνει συνέχεια πιο πάνω.Pigánei synécheia pio páno.It keeps going further up.
- Κώστας KostasΝαι, χάνεται σχεδόν τελείως.Ne, chánetae schedón teleíos.Yes, it is almost completely disappearing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “up” translations and entries πάνω, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries πάνω, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
