γέννηση
Lemma: γέννηση
Translation: birth; childbirth; delivery; nativity (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek γέννησις (génnēsis), derived from the verb γεννάω (gennáō, 'to beget, produce'). The root is related to the Proto-Indo-European *ǵenh₁- meaning 'to produce, give birth', which also gave us English words like 'generate', 'genesis', and 'gene'. The concept of creation or coming into being is central to this etymological family.
Example Usage
Η γέννηση του παιδιού τους ήταν το πιο χαρούμενο γεγονός της ζωής τους.
The birth of their child was the happiest event of their lives.
Χρειάζεσαι το πιστοποιητικό γέννησης για την έκδοση διαβατηρίου.
You need the birth certificate to issue a passport.
Η γέννηση μιας νέας ιδέας μπορεί να αλλάξει τον κόσμο.
The birth of a new idea can change the world.
Η γέννηση του παιδιού τους έφερε μεγάλη χαρά στην οικογένεια.
The birth of their child brought great joy to the family.
Το πιστοποιητικό γέννησης είναι απαραίτητο για την έκδοση διαβατηρίου.
The birth certificate is necessary for issuing a passport.
Γιορτάζουμε τη Γέννηση του Χριστού στις 25 Δεκεμβρίου.
We celebrate the Birth of Christ on December 25th.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'genesis' in English, which means beginning or origin, similar to γέννηση (birth).
- The 'gen' sound in γέννηση connects to 'generate' or 'generation' in English, all related to creation or producing.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Greek culture, birth is traditionally celebrated with various customs. When a baby is born, it's common for friends and family to visit the mother and newborn, bringing gifts. The formal religious ceremony of baptism (βάπτιση) typically follows months later. The term 'γέννηση' is also prominently used in religious contexts, particularly in reference to the birth of Christ (Η Γέννηση του Χριστού).
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While γέννηση refers to the act of birth itself, γενιά means 'generation' or a group of people born and living at about the same time.
This word:
Η γέννηση του μωρού έγινε στο νοσοκομείο.
The birth of the baby took place at the hospital.
Notes: Both words share the same etymological root related to birth and creation.
Mnemonic: γέννηση is a single event (birth), while γενιά is a collective term (generation).
Explanation: γέννηση refers to the actual birth event, while γενέθλια means 'birthday' - the anniversary celebration of one's birth.
Confused word:
Θα γιορτάσουμε τα γενέθλιά του το Σάββατο.
We will celebrate his birthday on Saturday.
Notes: Both terms relate to birth, but in different temporal contexts.
Mnemonic: γέννηση happens once, γενέθλια happens every year.