δηλαδή
Wordform Details
Translation: that isnamelyin other words
Part of Speech: adverb
Inflection Type:
invariableIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: δηλαδή
Translation: that is; namely; in other words; i.e.; specifically; to be precise (adverb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek δῆλον (dêlon) meaning 'clear, evident' + ἀδή (adê) meaning 'indeed, truly'. The compound literally means 'clearly indeed' or 'evidently so'. The root δῆλον is cognate with English 'tell' through Proto-Indo-European *del- meaning 'to show, make clear'. This connection helps explain why δηλαδή functions as a clarifying word - it literally means 'to make clear indeed'.
Example Usage
Είμαι πολύ κουρασμένος, δηλαδή δεν μπορώ να βγω απόψε.
I'm very tired, that is to say I can't go out tonight.
Δηλαδή, τι θέλεις να πεις;
So, what do you mean?
Θα φύγουμε αύριο, δηλαδή αν δεν βρέχει.
We'll leave tomorrow, that is if it doesn't rain.
Δηλαδή, δεν θα έρθεις στο πάρτι;
So, you're not coming to the party?
Θα έρθω αύριο, δηλαδή την Τρίτη.
I'll come tomorrow, that is, on Tuesday.
Είναι πολύ έξυπνος, δηλαδή καταλαβαίνει γρήγορα.
He's very smart, meaning he understands quickly.
Δηλαδή τι εννοείς;
So what do you mean?
Θα φύγω νωρίς, δηλαδή στις οκτώ.
I'll leave early, that is, at eight o'clock.
Είναι γιατρός, δηλαδή παθολόγος.
He's a doctor, namely a pathologist.
Δεν μπορώ να έρθω, δηλαδή δεν έχω χρόνο.
I can't come, in other words, I don't have time.
Mnemonics
- Think 'deal-a-thee' - you're dealing out the details, making things clear
- Remember it contains 'δήλ-' like 'tell' in English - you're telling more clearly
- The 'αδή' ending sounds like 'ah-thee' - 'ah, I see!' when something becomes clear
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Extremely common in both spoken and written Greek. Used frequently in explanations, academic writing, and everyday conversation when clarifying or elaborating on a point. Often used when Greeks want to be more specific or when correcting a misunderstanding.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: δηλαδή is an adverb meaning 'that is' while δηλώνω is a verb meaning 'to declare/state'
Confused word:
Δηλώνω ότι είμαι αθώος.
I declare that I am innocent.
Notes: Both come from the same root meaning 'clear' but serve different grammatical functions
Mnemonic: δηλαδή has 'αδή' at the end (sounds like 'ah-thee') for clarification, δηλώνω ends in 'ώνω' like other verbs