αδελφό
Wordform Details
Translation: brother
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
masculinesingularaccusativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: αδελφός
Translation: brother; sibling (male) (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἀδελφός (adelphós), which derives from the prefix ἀ- (a-, 'together') and δελφύς (delphús, 'womb'), literally meaning 'from the same womb'. This etymology reveals the deep familial connection implied in the word. The English word 'adelphic' (relating to brothers) comes from the same root, as does 'Philadelphia' ('city of brotherly love').
Example Usage
Ο αδελφός μου είναι δύο χρόνια μεγαλύτερός μου.
My brother is two years older than me.
Οι δύο αδελφοί μοιάζουν πολύ.
The two brothers look very similar.
Αγαπητοί αδελφοί, σας καλωσορίζω στην εκκλησία μας.
Dear brothers, I welcome you to our church.
Ο αδελφός μου είναι γιατρός.
My brother is a doctor.
Έχω δύο αδελφούς.
I have two brothers.
Αδελφέ, μπορείς να με βοηθήσεις;
Brother, can you help me?
Mnemonics
- Think of 'Philadelphia' (city of brotherly love) to remember that 'αδελφός' means 'brother'.
- The 'delph' part sounds a bit like 'delphin' (dolphin) - imagine brothers swimming like dolphins from the same womb.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Greek culture, the relationship between siblings, especially brothers, is traditionally very strong. The term is also used in religious contexts, where fellow Christians are referred to as 'αδελφοί' (brothers). In Orthodox monasteries, monks address each other as 'αδελφέ' (brother).
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'αδελφός' means 'brother', 'αδελφή' means 'sister'. They share the same root but differ in gender.
Notes: Both words follow standard gender patterns in Greek nouns.
Mnemonic: αδελφός ends with -ος (masculine ending) while αδελφή ends with -η (feminine ending).
Explanation: This is simply a colloquial variant of 'αδελφός' with the same meaning. The 'λ' is dropped in everyday speech.
Confused word:
Ο αδερφός του είναι καθηγητής.
His brother is a teacher.
Notes: Both forms are widely understood, but 'αδελφός' is more formal and used in official contexts.
Mnemonic: Think of 'αδερφός' as the relaxed, casual way to say 'brother', like dropping a letter when speaking quickly.