κίνδυνος
Lemma: κίνδυνος
Translation: danger; risk; peril; hazard; threat (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek κίνδυνος (kindynos), meaning danger or risk. The word shares the same Indo-European root as English 'kind' through a complex semantic evolution - originally relating to 'natural state' or 'nature', which evolved to mean 'what naturally happens' and then 'uncertain outcome' leading to 'danger'. This connection helps explain why we speak of 'natural disasters' - dangers that arise from nature's unpredictable character. The word has remained remarkably stable in Greek across millennia, making it one of the most direct lexical inheritances from ancient to modern Greek.
Example Usage
Υπάρχει κίνδυνος πυρκαγιάς.
There is a fire danger.
Μην εκθέτετε τον εαυτό σας σε κίνδυνο.
Don't expose yourself to danger.
Υπάρχει κίνδυνος πυρκαγιάς στο δάσος.
There is a risk of fire in the forest.
Η οδήγηση υπό την επήρεια αλκοόλ είναι ένας σοβαρός κίνδυνος.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious danger.
Οι γιατροί προειδοποιούν για τους κινδύνους του καπνίσματος.
Doctors warn about the dangers of smoking.
Βρίσκεται σε κίνδυνο εξαφάνισης.
It is in danger of extinction.
Οδηγεί με κίνδυνο.
He drives dangerously.
Κίνδυνος! Μην πλησιάζετε!
Danger! Do not approach!
Mnemonics
- Think 'kin in danger' - your kin (family) in danger
- The 'k' sound starts both 'κίνδυνος' and 'caution' (which warns of danger)
- Remember 'cinema' - κίνδυνος starts with similar sounds and action movies are full of danger
Cultural Context
Frequently used in Greek media, safety warnings, and everyday conversation. Common in traffic signs, workplace safety notices, and weather warnings. Greeks often use it in the phrase 'με κίνδυνο' (at risk) when discussing various situations from health to economics.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: κίνδυνος means danger while κίνημα means movement or motion. Both start with κιν- but have completely different meanings.
Confused word:
Το κίνημα των αστέρων.
The movement of the stars.
Notes: Both derive from roots related to motion, but κίνδυνος specifically refers to dangerous or risky motion/change
Mnemonic: κίνδυνος has 'δυν' like 'dynamite' (dangerous), κίνημα has 'μα' like 'move'