δύση
dýsi/ˈði.si/feminine
The English phrase 'west' is δύση (dýsi) in Greek.
δύση is a feminine noun used to refer to the compass point west.
Meaning: compass point (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The noun δύση is etymologically related to the verb meaning 'to set' (as in the sun).
Which one should you use?
While δύση refers to the compass point, the word for the direction 'westward' or 'to the west' is typically expressed using the adverb δυτικά.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective δυτικός must agree in gender, number and case with the noun it modifies. The adverbial form δυτικά is used to describe movement or position relative to the west.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as /ˈði.si/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- Because δύση is tied to the setting sun, ancient Greeks often used it as a poetic synonym for 'the end' or 'the decline' of an era or an empire.
- The word δύση literally describes the act of 'sinking' or 'setting', much like a ship or a person sinking into sleep.
- Because δύση refers to the sunset, the Greek word for 'west' is conceptually tied to the end of the day, whereas the word for 'east' ανατολή refers to the 'rising' of the sun.
Examples in context
- Στη δύση, ο ήλιος δύει.In the west, the sun sets.This sentence is useful for describing the sun setting in the west using δύση.Tatoeba #13876252 by ninefi, translation #13875996 by rul
- Οι καταιγίδες έρχονται από τη Δύση.The storms come from the West.This sentence is useful for describing storms coming from the west using δύση.Tatoeba #11967274 by carlosalberto, translation #11967271 by carlosalberto
- Ο ήλιος ανατέλλει από την ανατολή και δύει στη δύση.The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.Tatoeba #12816294 by glossboss, translation #275156 by CK
- Το κάστρο βρίσκεται στη δύση της πόλης.The castle is located in the west of the city.
- Η αγορά βρίσκεται από τα δυτικά της πλατείας.The market is located west of the square.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two people are discussing a hiking route.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΠρος τη δύση είναι το μονοπάτι;Pros ti disi einai to monopati;Is the path towards the west?
- Κώστας KostasΌχι, το μονοπάτι οδηγεί προς την ανατολή.Ochi, to monopati odigei pros tin anatoli.No, the path leads towards the east.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΤότε πρέπει να πάμε προς τη δύση.Tote prepei na pame pros ti disi.Then we must go towards the west.
- Κώστας KostasΣωστά, Κυριακή, ας αλλάξουμε κατεύθυνση.Sosta, Kyriaki, as allaxoume katefthinsi.Correct, Kyriaki, let's change direction.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “west” translations and entries δύση, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries δύση, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
