λύπη
Lemma: λύπη
Translation: sorrow; grief; sadness; distress; regret (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek λύπη (lúpē), meaning 'pain' or 'grief'. The word has maintained its meaning throughout Greek history, expressing emotional pain rather than physical pain. It shares the same root with words like λυπάμαι (to be sorry) and λυπηρός (sad, sorrowful).
Example Usage
Αισθάνομαι μεγάλη λύπη για το χαμό του.
I feel great sorrow for his loss.
Με λύπη σας ανακοινώνουμε ότι η εκδήλωση αναβλήθηκε.
With regret, we announce that the event has been postponed.
Η λύπη είναι ένα φυσικό συναίσθημα.
Sadness is a natural emotion.
Η λύπη του ήταν εμφανής στο πρόσωπό του.
His sorrow was evident on his face.
Με μεγάλη μου λύπη σας ανακοινώνω ότι δεν θα μπορέσω να έρθω.
With great regret, I announce that I won't be able to come.
Αισθάνομαι λύπη για την απώλειά σου.
I feel sorrow for your loss.
Mnemonics
- Think of the English word 'lugubrious' (looking sad) to remember λύπη means sadness.
- The word sounds a bit like 'loopy' - imagine feeling so sad that your thoughts go in sad loops.
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Greek culture, λύπη is often expressed openly, especially during mourning periods. The concept is important in Greek Orthodox traditions surrounding death and remembrance. Greeks often use the phrase 'με λύπη μου' (with my sorrow) as a formal way to express regret.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While λύπη means 'sorrow', λίπος means 'fat'. They look and sound similar but have completely different meanings.
This word:
Η λύπη του ήταν βαθιά.
His sorrow was deep.
Confused word:
Το φαγητό έχει πολύ λίπος.
The food has a lot of fat.
Notes: The stress falls on the first syllable in both words, but the vowel sound is different.
Mnemonic: Remember: λύπη (with upsilon υ) is for your feelings, λίπος (with iota ι) is for your body.
Explanation: λύπη is a noun meaning 'sorrow', while λείπω is a verb meaning 'to be missing' or 'to be absent'.
Confused word:
Θα λείπω για δύο μέρες.
I will be absent for two days.
Notes: λείπω is a common verb that appears in many everyday expressions.
Mnemonic: λύπη has to do with emotions, λείπω has to do with absence - think 'leave' for λείπω.