διακοπές
diakopésfeminine, plural
The Greek word for vacation is διακοπές (diakopés).
The term refers to a period of leisure time.
Meaning: period of leisure time (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word διακοπές literally refers to a break, cut or interruption in a continuous sequence.
How does it change in a sentence?
διακοπές is a feminine plural noun. When used with the definite article, it takes the feminine plural form τις διακοπές.
How do you pronounce it?
diakopés
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the singular διακοπή (diakopí), which means a 'cut' or 'interruption' rather than a holiday.
Did you know?
- The word διακοπή can be used in a medical context to mean an 'abortion', which is why using the singular form for a 'vacation' is avoided to prevent confusion.
- In Greece, the August vacation period is so culturally ingrained that many small businesses and shops traditionally close entirely for the month, a practice known as 'summer shutdown'.
- The root of διακοπές comes from the verb κόπτω, which means 'to cut' or 'to strike', linking the idea of a holiday to a physical severance from work.
Examples in context
- Πως πέρασες τις διακοπές;How did you spend your vacation?This sentence shows how to ask how someone spent their διακοπές.Tatoeba #2398843 by mululatv, translation #19794 by CK
- Οι μαθητές έχουν διακοπές.The students are on vacation.This sentence describes students being on διακοπές.Tatoeba #4302291 by dora98, translation #453810 by saasmath
- Πότε αρχίζουν οι διακοπές σας;When does your vacation start?This sentence is useful for asking when someone's διακοπές begin.Tatoeba #5452819 by Zeus, translation #5304219 by CK
- Ανυπομονώ για τις διακοπές μου στην Ελλάδα!I'm looking forward to my vacation in Greece!
- Το επόμενο μου ταξίδι είναι στην Κρήτη.My next vacation is in Crete.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their summer plans.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΠού θα πας για τις διακοπές;Pou tha pas gia tis diakopes;Where are you going for the vacation?
- Νίκος NikosΘα πάω στην Κρήτη.Tha pao stin Kriti.I am going to Crete.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΕίναι μια υπέροχη ιδέα!Einai mia yperochi idea!It is a wonderful idea!
- Νίκος NikosΝαι, περιμένω τις διακοπές!Nai, perimeno tis diakopes!Yes, I am looking forward to the vacation!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “vacation” translations and entries διακοπές, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
