αθηνά
Wordform Details
Translation: Athena
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
femininesingularaccusativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: Αθηνά
Translation: Athena; Athene (noun)
Etymology: Αθηνά (Athina) is the name of the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom, strategic warfare, and handicraft. The etymology is uncertain, but some scholars connect it to the Linear B a-ta-na po-ti-ni-ja meaning 'Mistress Athena'. The name may be related to the city of Athens (Αθήνα), though it's debated whether the goddess was named after the city or vice versa. The Acropolis in Athens houses the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to Athena.
Example Usage
Η Αθηνά ήταν η θεά της σοφίας στην αρχαία ελληνική μυθολογία.
Athena was the goddess of wisdom in ancient Greek mythology.
Το άγαλμα της Αθηνάς στεκόταν στον Παρθενώνα.
The statue of Athena stood in the Parthenon.
Πολλοί γονείς δίνουν το όνομα Αθηνά στις κόρες τους.
Many parents name their daughters Athena.
Η Αθηνά ήταν η θεά της σοφίας στην αρχαία Ελλάδα.
Athena was the goddess of wisdom in ancient Greece.
Η κόρη μου ονομάζεται Αθηνά.
My daughter is named Athena.
Το σύμβολο της Αθηνάς είναι η κουκουβάγια.
The symbol of Athena is the owl.
Πολλά κορίτσια στην Ελλάδα ονομάζονται Αθηνά.
Many girls in Greece are named Athena.
Mnemonics
- Think of Athens (the city named after her) to remember Αθηνά
- Associate with 'athenaeum' (library or reading room) since she's the goddess of wisdom
Synonyms
Cultural Context
Αθηνά is a central figure in Greek mythology and culture. She is the patron goddess of Athens, Greece's capital city. Her image appears on ancient Greek coins and modern Greek art. The name is also commonly given to Greek women. The Panathenaic Festival was held in her honor in ancient Athens.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: Αθηνά (Athina) is the goddess, while Αθήνα (Athina) is the city of Athens. They sound identical in modern Greek but are spelled differently.
Notes: In ancient texts, the goddess's name appears in various forms including Athena and Athene.
Mnemonic: Αθηνά (goddess) is shorter than Αθήνα (city) - the goddess came before the city named after her.