πόλη — meaning in English: city

poli · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for city

πάμε

pame

κοντά

konta

κάθομαι

kathomai

πόλη

poli

μεγάλος

megálos

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neutral very common

Usage

Native Greek speakers often use the word πόλη in everyday conversations when discussing their home towns or cities. It's commonly used in contexts like asking for directions, discussing local events, or describing urban life, such as saying 'Η πόλη είναι όμορφη' (The city is beautiful).

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym for πόλη is κωμόπολη (komopoli), which refers to a smaller town. While πόλη generally denotes a larger urban area, κωμόπολη conveys a sense of a more intimate, smaller community. You would choose πόλη when talking about major cities like Athens or Thessaloniki.

Culture

The word πόλη has roots in ancient Greek, where it referred to city-states or communities, such as Athens and Sparta, which were crucial in the development of democracy and philosophy. Over time, the term evolved to encompass urban areas in modern Greece, reflecting the rich tapestry of history and culture within them.

FAQ

Q.What does πόλη mean in English?

The Greek word πόλη translates to 'city' in English, referring to a large human settlement typically characterized by extensive infrastructure and a high population density.

Q.How do you use πόλη in a sentence?

You can use πόλη in various contexts, such as 'Ζω στην πόλη' (I live in the city) or 'Η πόλη έχει πολλά εστιατόρια' (The city has many restaurants).

Q.Are there any common mistakes with the word πόλη?

A common mistake is using πόλη in contexts meant for smaller towns, where κωμόπολη would be more appropriate. Remember to use πόλη when talking about larger urban areas.

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Greek Vocabulary