χρόνος
chrónos/ˈxɾo.nos/masculine
The English word "year" is translated into Greek using several forms, with the default being χρόνος (chrónos). Wiktionary also lists χρονιά (chroniá) and έτος (étos).
Meaning: time it takes for the Earth to complete one revolution around the Sun (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| χρόνος | chrónos | /ˈxɾo.nos/ | masculine |
| χρονιά | chroniá | /xroˈɲa/ | feminine |
| έτος | étos | /ˈetos/ | neuter |
All three forms refer to the time it takes for the Earth to complete one revolution around the Sun.
Which one should you use?
The forms differ based on context and grammatical gender. χρόνος is masculine, while χρονιά is feminine and is used to express age or a duration of years. έτος is a neuter form used frequently in formal, administrative or astronomical contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The expression χρονιά is more commonly used in certain regions of Greece, such as Crete and some parts of the Peloponnese.
How does it change in a sentence?
χρονιά is a feminine noun. έτος is a neuter noun. The adjective derived from χρόνος is χρονικός, which means "chronological" or "related to time".
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as chrónos (two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable).
Did you know?
- In Greek mythology, Χρόνος (Chronos) was the personification of time, distinct from the Titan Κρόνος (Cronus), though the two figures later merged in folklore.
- The word χρόνος shares a root with English words like 'chronicle' and 'synchronize'. It describes not just a 'year' but the general concept of 'time'.
- While χρόνος is the standard word for 'year', it is also the primary word used to say 'time' in a general sense, such as saying 'I do not have time'.
Examples in context
- Είχα μια δύσκολη χρονιά.I've had a tough year.This sentence uses χρονιά to describe a difficult year.Tatoeba #3003813 by mululatv, translation #2952911 by CK
- Τι είναι το νέο έτος της Σελήνης;What is the new Lunar Year?This sentence uses έτος to ask about the Lunar Year.Tatoeba #4298140 by glavkos, translation #9724255 by Nylez
- Ευτυχισμένος ο καινούριος χρόνος!Happy New Year!This sentence uses χρόνος to wish someone a Happy New Year.Tatoeba #4704625 by chrysaarabatzi, translation #361350 by blay_paul
- Τι έκανες τον περασμένο χρόνο;What did you do last year?
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Wiktionary, “year” translations and entries χρόνος, χρονιά, έτος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
