Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| άνεμος | ánemos | masculine | |
| αέρας | aéras | /aˈe.ɾas/ | masculine |
The term refers to the movement of air. While both terms describe wind, they are used in different contexts depending on whether you are being scientific or speaking colloquially. The word αέρας also literally means 'air' and can refer to a draft in a room or a light breeze.
Which one should you use?
άνεμος is the standard term used in weather reports, scientific contexts or poetic descriptions. In contrast, αέρας is more colloquial and is commonly used in everyday speech to refer to the movement of air or a breeze.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Μελτέμι is a term primarily used in the Aegean Sea area to describe a strong, dry northerly wind that affects that region.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Both άνεμος and αέρας are masculine nouns. When used in the singular with the definite article, they both require the masculine article ο (e.g., ο άνεμος or ο αέρας).
How do you pronounce it?
ánemos
When do people say it?
In literature, you may encounter the word Ζέφυρος, which is an older, poetic term used in ancient Greek to describe a western wind.
Did you know?
- Because αέρας can mean 'air', it is also used in Greece to describe a 'vacation' or 'break', such as 'taking some air' (να πάρω λίγο αέρα).
- The word άνεμος shares a common ancestor with the English word 'animate', because both stem from a root meaning 'to breathe'.
- In Greek, you can use the word αέρας to describe someone who is 'full of hot air' or acting boastful, much like the English idiom.
Examples in context
- Κάποτε θα μπορώ να τρέχω τόσο γρήγορα όπως ο άνεμος.Sometimes I can run as fast as the wind.This sentence uses άνεμος to show a comparison of speed.Tatoeba #1562581 by glavkos, translation #1844231 by kerbear407
- Φυσάει ο άνεμος.The wind blows.This sentence uses άνεμος to state a simple fact about the wind blowing.Tatoeba #1390501 by enteka, translation #462984 by lukaszpp
- Ο μόνος ήχος που μπορούσαμε να ακούσουμε ήταν ο αέρας έξω.The only sound we could hear was the wind outside.This sentence uses αέρας to describe the sound of air outside.Tatoeba #11545362 by carlosalberto, translation #11545320 by CK
- Σήμερα ο άνεμος είναι πολύ δυνατός.Today, the wind is very strong.
- Ο αέρας φυσάει από τα βουνά.The wind blows from the mountains.
- Περπάτησα στην παραλία και ένιωσα ένα ωραίο αεράκι.I walked on the beach and felt a nice breeze.
- Απολαμβάνω τον ζέφυρο στο μπαλκόνι μου.I enjoy the breeze on my balcony.
Example conversation
Giorgos and Anastasia are talking about the weather at the beach.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΟ άνεμος είναι πολύ δυνατός σήμερα.O anemos einai poly dynatos simera.The wind is very strong today.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΝαι, είναι δύσκολο να κρατήσω την ομπρέλα.Nai, einai dyskolo na kratiso tin ombrela.Yes, it is difficult to hold the umbrella.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΠιστεύεις ότι θα σταματήσει ο άνεμος σύντομα;Pisteveis oti tha stamati세i o anemos syntoma?Do you think the wind will stop soon?
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΔεν νομίζω, φαίνεται να συνεχίζει.Den nomizo, fainetai na synechizei.I don't think so, it seems to be continuing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wind” translations and entries άνεμος, αέρας, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries άνεμος, αέρας, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
