ξυπνάω
xypnáo/ksiˈpna.o/
The Greek phrase for "wake up" is ξυπνάω (xypnáo).
ξυπνάω is the verb meaning to wake up or to rouse. It can be used both intransitively, meaning to wake up oneself and transitively, meaning to wake someone else up. Related to this verb is the noun ξυπνητήρι, which means alarm clock.
Meaning: to (become) awake (verb)
Which one should you use?
The form ξυπνάω is used to describe the continuous or habitual action of waking up. In contrast, the form ξυπνήσω is used to describe the completed event of waking up.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express a specific instance of waking up in the future, the verb is often used in its aorist form, ξυπνήσω.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is xypnáo. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- In Greek, the word ξυπνός can be used as an adjective to describe someone who is alert, quick-witted or 'sharp'.
- In colloquial Greek, saying someone is ξυπνημένος can mean they are 'awake' to a situation or not easily fooled.
- The prefix ἐξ in the ancient form of ξυπνάω is the same prefix used in the English word 'exit'.
Examples in context
- Πάντα κοιμάμαι και ξυπνάω νωρίς.I always sleep and wake up early.This sentence shows the use of ξυπνάω to describe habitual actions.Tatoeba #3695906 by ggia, translation #9952574 by Nylez
- Ξυπνάω πολύ νωρίς.I wake up very early.Tatoeba #3695622 by ggia, translation #1807309 by Eldad
- Αύριο θα ξυπνήσω νωρίς.Tomorrow I shall wake up early.This sentence shows the use of ξυπνήσω to express a future event.
- Ξυπνήστε, παίδες!Wake up, kids!
- Ξύπνα, κύριε Πρόεδρε.Wake up, Mr. President.
- Ξύπνα, φίλε!Wake up, buddy!
- Ξύπνα, είναι αργά!Wake up, it's late!
Example conversation
Maria is waking up Kostas in the morning.
- Μαρία MariaΚώστα, ξυπνάω εγώ και είναι ώρα να ξυπνήσεις!Kosta, xypnao ego kai einai ora na xypniseis!Kostas, I am awake and it is time for you to wake up!
- Κώστας KostasΤι ώρα ξυπνάω σήμερα;Ti ora xypnao simera?What time do I wake up today?
- Μαρία MariaΞυπνάω κάθε μέρα στις επτά, έτσι και εσύ.Xypnao kathe mera stis epta, etsi kai esy.I wake up every day at seven, and so should you.
- Κώστας KostasΈνταξα, τώρα ξύπνησα.Entaxa, tora xypnisa.Okay, I am awake now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wake up” translations and entries ξυπνάω, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
