Understanding the words for family and relationships in Greek can be a beautiful way to connect with the culture and its values. Greek is known for its richness in expressing familial ties, reflecting the strong family bonds that are a cornerstone of Greek life. Below is a list of vital Greek family and relationship words accompanied by definitions and example sentences.

Οικογένεια (ikogénia) – Family
The term “οικογένεια” is used to refer to one’s immediate family or extended family, usually characterized by strong bonds and frequent gatherings.
Η οικογένειά μου είναι πολύ σημαντική για μένα.
(My family is very important to me.)

Γονείς (gonís) – Parents
“Γονείς” is the word for parents, encompassing both the mother and father, and indicates respect and reverence in Greek culture.
Οι γονείς μου ζουν στην Αθήνα.
(My parents live in Athens.)

Πατέρας (patéras) – Father
“Πατέρας” is the Greek word specifically for father, a figure traditionally seen as the head of the household in Greek society.
Ο πατέρας μου είναι δάσκαλος.
(My father is a teacher.)

Μητέρα (mitéra) – Mother
“Μητέρα” stands for mother, often considered the heart of the family, nurturing and caring for the children.
Η μητέρα μου μαγειρεύει εξαιρετικά.
(My mother cooks excellently.)

Αδελφός (adelfós) – Brother
The word for brother, “αδελφός”, indicates a male sibling and is used to describe a bond that is cherished within the family.
Ο αδελφός μου με βοηθά με τα μαθήματα.
(My brother helps me with my lessons.)

Αδελφή (adelfí) – Sister
Similarly, “αδελφή” is the term for sister, and like brothers, sisters are viewed as individuals with whom one shares a lifelong bond.
Η αδελφή μου είναι η καλύτερη φίλη μου.
(My sister is my best friend.)

Παιδί (paidí) – Child
The Greek word for child, “παιδί”, is used to refer to a son or daughter, reflecting the love and affection bestowed upon children.
Έχουν τρία παιδιά.
(They have three children.)

Σύζυγος (sýzygos) – Spouse
“Σύζυγος” is a formal term for spouse, either a wife or a husband, and it signifies a partnership that is both legal and personal.
Ο σύζυγός της εργάζεται στην τράπεζα.
(Her husband works at the bank.)

Φίλος/Φίλη (fílos/fíli) – Friend
The words “φίλος” for a male friend and “φίλη” for a female friend are used to denote companionship and the sharing of a close, platonic relationship.
Ο καλύτερός μου φίλος είναι από τον Καναδά.
(My best friend is from Canada.)

Αγάπη (agápi) – Love
“Αγάπη” is the Greek word for love, an emotion that is often emphasized in Greek culture, be it romantic, familial, or platonic.
Η αγάπη είναι το πιο σημαντικό πράγμα στη ζωή.
(Love is the most important thing in life.)

Συγγενείς (syngenís) – Relatives
“Συγγενείς” are one’s extended family or relatives, and in Greece, such connections are typically maintained and cherished.
Στην Ελλάδα, τα γενέθλια γιορτάζονται με όλους τους συγγενείς.
(In Greece, birthdays are celebrated with all the relatives.)

By understanding and using these Greek family and relationship words, you can establish a deeper connection with the Greek language and appreciate the familial bonds that are so pivotal in Greek society. Whether you’re interacting with a Greek family, engaging in a conversation about relationships, or simply wanting to expand your vocabulary, these words will serve as a significant addition to your linguistic toolkit.