ευχή
efchí/efˈçi/
The Greek word for a wish is ευχή (efchí). To say I wish, use Εύχομαι.
ευχή is a wish or a good wish for someone. A related word, επιθυμία, means desire.
Meaning: to hope for an outcome (verb)
Which one should you use?
ευχή is a wish you express for someone or for an outcome. επιθυμία is a desire or longing.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /efˈçi/, with the stress on the last syllable. The middle sound is like the h in English huge.
When do people say it?
Greeks use set phrases to wish people well. Καλή επιτυχία means good luck for success and Καλή τύχη means good luck. Καλά Χριστούγεννα is Merry Christmas, and Καλή Ανάσταση is said at Easter. Χρόνια πολλά, many years, is said on someone's name day. Friends also say Να είσαι καλά, be well and Να περνάς καλά, have a good time.
Did you know?
- The word ευχή is the root of the English word 'eulogy'. While a eulogy is now a speech for the deceased, it originally meant a 'good wish' or 'praise'.
- Greek culture places a high importance on the 'name day', where you wish someone well because they share a name with a saint. This is often a bigger celebration than a birthday.
- The word ευχή is not just a simple wish, it is also the root of the word for 'prayer' in many religious contexts. In Ancient Greek, the word specifically carried the weight of a formal petition to the gods.
Examples in context
- Εύχομαι, Άννα, να έχεις υγείαI wish you, Anna, good health
Example conversation
George and Maria are talking about their goals for the new year.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΠοια είναι η ευχή σου για φέτος;Poia einai i efchi sou gia fetos?What is your wish for this year?
- Μαρία MariaΗ ευχή μου είναι να ταξιδέψω.I efchi mou einai na taxidepso.My wish is to travel.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕλπίζω να γίνει πραγματικότητα!Elpizo na ginei pragmatotita!I hope it comes true!
- Μαρία MariaΕυχαριστώ, Γιώργο!Efcharisto, Giorgo!Thank you, George!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ευχή, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
