εσύ
esý/eˈsi/
In Greek, the English word "you" is translated as εσύ (esý) or εσείς depending on the context.
Meaning: subject pronoun: the person being addressed (pron)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| εσύ | esý | /eˈsi/ | |
| εσείς | eseís | /eˈsis/ | polite |
These words function as subject pronouns to refer to the person being addressed.
Which one should you use?
The form εσύ is the singular version of "you", whereas εσείς is used when addressing more than one person (the plural "you") or when addressing a single person politely.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
εσύ is the standard informal way to say "you" and is used for friends, family, children or anyone you are on informal terms with. In contrast, εσείς is the most commonly used polite form for addressing a single person formally.
How does it change in a sentence?
While εσύ is the subject pronoun, you should use the form εσένα when "you" is the object of a verb or a preposition.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is esý and the IPA is /eˈsi/.
Did you know?
- The singular informal εσύ shares a common ancestor with the English word 'thou' and the Latin 'tu', which can be traced back to the same Proto-Indo-European root.
- When arguing, a Greek speaker might switch from the polite εσείς to the informal εσύ specifically to show disrespect or to assert dominance over the other person.
- In Greek, you might use the plural εσείς to address a single stranger or a boss, but doing so to a close friend can actually sound sarcastic or mockingly distant.
Examples in context
- Εσύ φταις για αυτό.It is you that is to blame for it.This sentence shows how to use εσύ to assign blame.Tatoeba #5102915 by katkat, translation #42941 by Dejo
- Επειδή εσύ το πουλάς.Because you sell it.This sentence demonstrates the use of εσύ in a clause starting with because.Tatoeba #7800583 by eypros, translation #7799908 by shekitten
- Το ξέρω ότι ήσουν εσύ.I know it was you.This sentence illustrates how to use εσύ to identify someone in the past tense.Tatoeba #5429410 by Zeus, translation #5409979 by Hybrid
- Πώς είστε;How are you?
- 94 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Kostas are deciding who will cook dinner.
- Μαρία MariaΘα μαγειρέψω εγώ σήμερα.Tha mageirepso ego simera.I will cook today.
- Κώστας KostasΕσύ θα μαγειρέψεις πάλι;Esy tha mageirepsis pali?You will cook again?
- Μαρία MariaΝαι, θέλω να φτιάξω κάτι καινούριο.Ne, thelo na ftiaxo kati kainourio.Yes, I want to make something new.
- Κώστας KostasΕντάξει, τότε εγώ θα πλύνω τα πιάτα.Entaxei, tote ego tha plyno ta piata.Okay, then I will wash the dishes.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “you” translations and entries εσύ, εσείς, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries εσύ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
