σοφία
sofía/soˈfi.a/feminine
The English word "wisdom" is translated into Greek as σοφία (sofía).
σοφία refers to the ability to apply relevant knowledge in an insightful way.
Meaning: ability to apply relevant knowledge in an insightful way (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
σοφία is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /soˈfi.a/. The stress is on the second of the three syllables.
Did you know?
- In modern Greek, calling someone a σοφός (wise person) can sometimes be used sarcastically to mean they are being a 'know-it-all'.
- In Orthodox Christian tradition, Ἁγία Σοφία refers to 'Holy Wisdom', which is used to describe both the second person of the Trinity and the famous cathedral in Istanbul.
- The English suffix '-sophical' and the word 'sophisticated' both derive from σοφία, though the latter now implies complexity rather than just wisdom.
Examples in context
- Η Αθηνά είναι η Ελληνίδα θεά της σοφίας.Athena is the Greek goddess of wisdom.This sentence describes Athena as the Greek goddess of σοφία.Tatoeba #2364952 by mululatv, translation #9036624 by Nylez
- Ο Γκρεγκ έχει τη χάρη ενός κυκνου, τη σοφία μίας κουκουβάγιας και την όραση ενός αετού. Κυρίες και κύριοι αυτός ο άντρας είναι για τα πουλιά!Greg has the grace of a swan, the wisdom of an owl, and the eye of an eagle. Ladies and gentlemen, this man is for the birds!This sentence uses σοφία to describe the wisdom of an owl in a humorous context.Tatoeba #7790781 by eypros, translation #7789256 by Goatstein
- Με την ηλικία αποκτάμε σοφία.We gain wisdom with age.This sentence explains that wisdom is gained with age.Tatoeba #12040195 by carlosalberto, translation #248734 by CM
- Η σοφία είναι η επίγνωση και η κατανόηση της αλήθειας.Wisdom is the knowledge and comprehension of truth.
- Η φρόνηση μας βοηθά να παίρνουμε σωστές αποφάσεις.Wisdom helps us make the right decisions.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A grandmother gives advice to her grandson.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΠρέπει να χρησιμοποιήσεις τη σοφία σου, Δημήτρη.Prepei na chrisimopoiiseis ti sofia sou, Dimitri.You need to use your wisdom, Dimitris.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΤι εννοείτε, γιαγιά Κυριακή;Ti ennoiete, yiaia Kyriaki?What do you mean, Grandma Kyriaki?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΗ πραγματική σοφία είναι να ξέρεις πότε να μιλάς.I pragmatiki sofia einai na xereis pote na milas.True wisdom is knowing when to speak.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΈχετε απόλυτο δίκιο.Echete apolyto dikio.You are absolutely right.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wisdom” translations and entries σοφία, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
