αγκαλιάζω
Lemma: αγκαλιάζω
Translation: to hug; to embrace; to cuddle; to hold in one's arms (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἀγκάλη (ankálē) meaning 'bent arm' or 'the crook of the arm', which is related to ἀγκών (ankṓn) meaning 'elbow'. The word evolved to describe the action of holding someone within one's arms. The root is connected to the Indo-European *ank- which denotes bending or curving, and is also found in English words like 'angle' and 'ankle'.
Example Usage
Η μητέρα αγκάλιασε το παιδί της.
The mother hugged her child.
Αγκαλιάστηκαν μετά από χρόνια χωρισμού.
They embraced after years of separation.
Αγκαλιάζω την ιδέα με ενθουσιασμό.
I embrace the idea with enthusiasm.
Πρέπει να αγκαλιάσουμε τις νέες ιδέες.
We must embrace new ideas.
Αγκάλιασε το παιδί της.
She hugged her child.
Αγκαλιάζω τους φίλους μου όταν τους βλέπω.
I hug my friends when I see them.
Οι γονείς αγκάλιασαν την ιδέα με ενθουσιασμό.
The parents embraced the idea with enthusiasm.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'angle' (from the same root) - when you hug someone, your arms form an angle.
- The 'αγκ' sound at the beginning resembles the sound of someone being squeezed in a tight hug.
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Physical affection like hugging is common in Greek culture, especially among family members and close friends. Greeks tend to be more physically expressive than some other cultures, and embracing is an important part of greetings and farewells.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'αγκαλιάζω' is the verb (to hug), 'αγκαλιά' is the noun meaning 'hug' or 'embrace', as well as 'arms' in the sense of holding someone.
This word:
Αγκαλιάζω τη μητέρα μου.
I hug my mother.
Confused word:
Της έδωσα μια ζεστή αγκαλιά.
I gave her a warm hug.
Notes: The noun 'αγκαλιά' can also mean 'armful' as in 'μια αγκαλιά λουλούδια' (an armful of flowers).
Mnemonic: Verb forms in Greek often end in -ω, while 'αγκαλιά' ends in -ά, indicating it's a noun.