οδηγία
Lemma: οδηγία
Translation: instruction; directive; guideline; direction; order (noun)
Etymology: From ancient Greek ὁδηγία (hodēgia), derived from ὁδηγός (hodēgos) meaning 'guide' or 'leader', which combines ὁδός (hodos) 'way, path, road' and ἡγεῖσθαι (hēgeisthai) 'to lead'. The English cognate 'pedagogue' shares the same root ἡγεῖσθαι. The word literally means 'way-leading' or 'path-showing', making it a perfect metaphor for instructions that guide someone along the correct path of action.
Example Usage
Ακολούθησε τις οδηγίες προσεκτικά.
Follow the instructions carefully.
Η οδηγία του γιατρού ήταν να πίνω πολύ νερό.
The doctor's instruction was to drink plenty of water.
Η Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση εξέδωσε μια νέα οδηγία για την προστασία του περιβάλλοντος.
The European Union issued a new directive for environmental protection.
Διάβασε τις οδηγίες προσεκτικά.
Read the instructions carefully.
Μου έδωσε οδηγίες για το σπίτι του.
He gave me directions to his house.
Ακολούθησε τις οδηγίες του γιατρού.
Follow the doctor's instructions.
Οι οδηγίες χρήσης είναι στη συσκευασία.
The usage instructions are on the package.
Έδωσε σαφείς οδηγίες στους εργαζόμενους.
He gave clear directives to the employees.
Mnemonics
- Think 'odyssey' + 'guide' - an odyssey needs guidance/instructions
- Remember 'hodometer' (odometer) - both relate to paths/roads, and instructions guide you on the right path
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Commonly used in formal contexts like government directives, workplace instructions, and educational settings. Often appears in bureaucratic language and official communications.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: οδηγία means 'instruction/directive' while οδήγηση means 'driving' or 'guidance in action'
Notes: Both come from the same root but οδηγία is the abstract instruction while οδήγηση is the concrete act
Mnemonic: οδηγία ends in -ία (like idea) = instruction idea; οδήγηση ends in -ση (action ending) = driving action