Mastering a language at the C2 level signifies that you are near-native in your proficiency. At this advanced stage, you need to be comfortable with a wide range of vocabulary that includes both formal and informal expressions, idiomatic phrases, and specialized terminology. Greek, with its rich history and vibrant modern culture, offers a plethora of words that can elevate your fluency to this level. Here, we introduce 50 essential words you need to know for Greek at the C2 level, providing not just translations, but also context and usage examples to aid your understanding.

1. Αμφιβολία (Amfivolia) – Doubt

At the C2 level, expressing nuanced feelings becomes crucial. “Αμφιβολία” is used to convey doubt or uncertainty. For instance, “Έχω αμφιβολίες για την απόφαση του” means “I have doubts about his decision.”

2. Αποφασιστικότητα (Apofasistikotita) – Determination

This word exemplifies the strong will or resolve one might have. “Η αποφασιστικότητά του είναι αξιοθαύμαστη” translates to “His determination is admirable.”

3. Υποκρισία (Ypokrisia) – Hypocrisy

A sophisticated term often used in discussions about ethics and character. “Η υποκρισία του ήταν προφανής” means “His hypocrisy was obvious.”

4. Απογοήτευση (Apogoitevsi) – Disappointment

Expressing emotions accurately is key at this level. “Η απογοήτευση της ήταν εμφανής” translates to “Her disappointment was evident.”

5. Ενθουσιασμός (Enthousiasmos) – Enthusiasm

A positive emotion, useful in both formal and informal contexts. “Ο ενθουσιασμός του για το έργο ήταν μεταδοτικός” means “His enthusiasm for the project was contagious.”

6. Εγκατάλειψη (Egkataleipsi) – Abandonment

Used in both literal and metaphorical senses. “Η εγκατάλειψη του κτιρίου ήταν ολοφάνερη” translates to “The abandonment of the building was obvious.”

7. Ευθύνες (Efthynes) – Responsibilities

A word often used in professional and personal contexts. “Οι ευθύνες του ήταν πολλές και ποικίλες” means “His responsibilities were many and varied.”

8. Ευστροφία (Efstrofiá) – Quick-wittedness

A term that describes someone’s sharp mind. “Η ευστροφία του τον έκανε να ξεχωρίζει” translates to “His quick-wittedness made him stand out.”

9. Αναξιόπιστος (Anaxiopistos) – Unreliable

A useful adjective for describing someone untrustworthy. “Ο συνεργάτης αποδείχθηκε αναξιόπιστος” means “The partner turned out to be unreliable.”

10. Αλληλεγγύη (Allilengyi) – Solidarity

Often used in social and political contexts. “Η αλληλεγγύη μεταξύ των μελών ήταν συγκινητική” translates to “The solidarity among the members was touching.”

11. Διαπραγμάτευση (Diapragmatefsi) – Negotiation

Key for business and political discussions. “Η διαπραγμάτευση ήταν σκληρή αλλά δίκαιη” means “The negotiation was tough but fair.”

12. Εξέλιξη (Exelixi) – Development

A versatile word used in various contexts. “Η εξέλιξη της τεχνολογίας είναι ραγδαία” translates to “The development of technology is rapid.”

13. Εμπιστοσύνη (Empistosyni) – Trust

Essential for relationships and professional settings. “Η εμπιστοσύνη είναι το θεμέλιο κάθε σχέσης” means “Trust is the foundation of every relationship.”

14. Εξουσία (Exousia) – Authority

Often used in discussions about power dynamics. “Η εξουσία του ήταν απόλυτη” translates to “His authority was absolute.”

15. Ευαισθησία (Evesithisia) – Sensitivity

Useful for describing emotional and physical responsiveness. “Η ευαισθησία της στα συναισθήματα των άλλων ήταν αξιοσημείωτη” means “Her sensitivity to others’ feelings was remarkable.”

16. Ικανότητα (Ikanotita) – Ability

A word that describes someone’s skill or competence. “Η ικανότητά του να λύνει προβλήματα ήταν εντυπωσιακή” translates to “His ability to solve problems was impressive.”

17. Κατανόηση (Katanóisi) – Understanding

Essential in both personal and professional contexts. “Η κατανόησή του για την κατάσταση ήταν βαθιά” means “His understanding of the situation was profound.”

18. Κρίσιμη (Krisimi) – Critical

Often used to describe important situations. “Η κρίσιμη στιγμή έφτασε” translates to “The critical moment has arrived.”

19. Λεπτομέρεια (Leptomereia) – Detail

Vital for thorough explanations. “Η προσοχή στη λεπτομέρεια είναι σημαντική” means “Attention to detail is important.”

20. Μεταφορικός (Metaforikós) – Figurative

Useful for advanced descriptions and literary discussions. “Η χρήση του μεταφορικού λόγου ήταν εντυπωσιακή” translates to “The use of figurative language was impressive.”

21. Μνημονεύω (Mnimonevo) – To mention

Often used in formal and informal dialogues. “Θα ήθελα να μνημονεύσω την συμβολή σας” means “I would like to mention your contribution.”

22. Νευρικός (Nevrikós) – Nervous

Describes a state of anxiety. “Ήταν νευρικός πριν την ομιλία του” translates to “He was nervous before his speech.”

23. Ολοκληρώνω (Oloklirono) – To complete

Used in various contexts to signify completion. “Ολοκλήρωσε την εργασία του με επιτυχία” means “He completed his work successfully.”

24. Παραμελώ (Paramelo) – To neglect

A strong word often used to describe neglect of duties or people. “Παραμέλησε τα καθήκοντά του” translates to “He neglected his duties.”

25. Παρατηρητικός (Paratiritikós) – Observant

Describes someone who notices details. “Ήταν πάντα παρατηρητικός και προσεκτικός” means “He was always observant and careful.”

26. Περίπλοκος (Períplokos) – Complex

Used to describe something intricate. “Το πρόβλημα ήταν περίπλοκο και απαιτούσε προσοχή” translates to “The problem was complex and required attention.”

27. Πειθαρχία (Peitharchia) – Discipline

Essential in discussions about behavior and ethics. “Η πειθαρχία είναι κλειδί για την επιτυχία” means “Discipline is key to success.”

28. Πειστικός (Peistikós) – Persuasive

Describes someone who can convince others effectively. “Ο λόγος του ήταν πειστικός” translates to “His speech was persuasive.”

29. Πολυπλοκότητα (Poliplokotita) – Complexity

Used to describe something with multiple layers. “Η πολυπλοκότητα του έργου ήταν εντυπωσιακή” means “The complexity of the project was impressive.”

30. Προσβλητικός (Prosblitikós) – Offensive

Describes something that causes offense. “Η συμπεριφορά του ήταν προσβλητική” translates to “His behavior was offensive.”

31. Προφανής (Profanís) – Obvious

Used to describe something clear and evident. “Η λύση ήταν προφανής” means “The solution was obvious.”

32. Σημαντικότητα (Simantikótita) – Importance

Used to stress the significance of something. “Η σημαντικότητα της έρευνας είναι μεγάλη” translates to “The importance of the research is great.”

33. Συμβιβασμός (Symvivasmos) – Compromise

Key for discussions about conflict resolution. “Έφτασαν σε συμβιβασμό μετά από μακρές διαπραγματεύσεις” means “They reached a compromise after long negotiations.”

34. Συμπάθεια (Sympatheia) – Sympathy

Essential for expressing empathy. “Η συμπάθεια της ήταν ανακουφιστική” means “Her sympathy was comforting.”

35. Συνεργασία (Synergasia) – Cooperation

Vital for team and group settings. “Η συνεργασία τους ήταν άψογη” translates to “Their cooperation was flawless.”

36. Ταχύτητα (Tachytita) – Speed

Used to describe the quickness of an action or process. “Η ταχύτητα της αντίδρασής του ήταν αξιοσημείωτη” means “His reaction speed was remarkable.”

37. Τεκμηριώνω (Tekmiriono) – To document

Useful for formal and academic contexts. “Τεκμηρίωσε τα ευρήματά του με ακρίβεια” means “He documented his findings accurately.”

38. Υπερβολικός (Ypervolikós) – Exaggerated

Describes something that is overstated. “Ο ισχυρισμός του ήταν υπερβολικός” translates to “His claim was exaggerated.”

39. Υποστηρίζω (Ypostirizo) – To support

Used to describe providing assistance or backing. “Υποστήριξε την απόφασή του με πάθος” means “He supported his decision passionately.”

40. Φαντασία (Fantasia) – Imagination

Key for creative contexts. “Η φαντασία της ήταν απεριόριστη” means “Her imagination was limitless.”

41. Φιλοδοξία (Filodoxia) – Ambition

Describes a strong desire to achieve something. “Η φιλοδοξία του ήταν εμφανής από νεαρή ηλικία” translates to “His ambition was evident from a young age.”

42. Χαρακτηριστικός (Charaktiristikós) – Characteristic

Used to describe a defining trait. “Η φωνή του ήταν χαρακτηριστική” means “His voice was characteristic.”

43. Χειρονομία (Cheironomia) – Gesture

Describes a movement that conveys meaning. “Η χειρονομία του ήταν φιλική” translates to “His gesture was friendly.”

44. Χρησιμότητα (Chrisimotita) – Usefulness

Describes the practical value of something. “Η χρησιμότητα του εργαλείου ήταν ανεκτίμητη” means “The usefulness of the tool was invaluable.”

45. Ωριμότητα (Orimotita) – Maturity

Describes the state of being fully developed. “Η ωριμότητά του ήταν αξιοθαύμαστη” means “His maturity was admirable.”

46. Απροσδόκητος (Aprosdokitos) – Unexpected

Describes something that happens without warning. “Το αποτέλεσμα ήταν απροσδόκητο” translates to “The result was unexpected.”

47. Αυτοπεποίθηση (Aftopepithisi) – Self-confidence

Describes a belief in one’s own abilities. “Η αυτοπεποίθησή της ήταν εμφανής” means “Her self-confidence was evident.”

48. Εμπειρία (Empiria) – Experience

Describes knowledge or skill gained over time. “Η εμπειρία του στον τομέα ήταν εκτενής” means “His experience in the field was extensive.”

49. Επιμονή (Epimoni) – Persistence

Describes a continuous effort despite difficulties. “Η επιμονή του τον οδήγησε στην επιτυχία” means “His persistence led him to success.”

50. Κατευθυντήριος (Katefthintírios) – Guiding

Describes something that provides direction. “Οι κατευθυντήριες αρχές ήταν σαφείς” means “The guiding principles were clear.”

Conclusion

Mastering these 50 essential Greek words will significantly enhance your ability to communicate at the C2 level. These words will not only expand your vocabulary but also help you express complex ideas and emotions more accurately. Remember, language learning is a continuous journey, and the more you immerse yourself in the language, the more fluent you will become. Keep practicing, and don’t hesitate to use these words in your daily conversations and writings. Καλή τύχη! (Good luck!)