επτά
Wordform Details
Translation: seven
Part of Speech: numeral
Inflection Type:
cardinalnumberIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: επτά
Translation: seven (numeral)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἑπτά (heptá). This numeral shares the same Indo-European root as English 'seven', Latin 'septem', and Sanskrit 'sapta'. The initial 'h' sound in Ancient Greek (written with the rough breathing mark) was lost in Modern Greek pronunciation. The root is also found in many English words like 'heptagon' (seven-sided figure), 'heptathlon' (seven athletic events), and 'September' (originally the seventh month in the Roman calendar).
Mnemonics
- Think of 'heptagon' (a seven-sided shape) to remember επτά means 'seven'
- The 'επτ-' in επτά is found in English words like 'heptathlon' (seven athletic events)
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
The number seven has significance in Greek culture and mythology. There were seven sages of ancient Greece, seven wonders of the ancient world, and the lyre of Apollo had seven strings. In the Greek Orthodox tradition, memorial services are typically held on the third, ninth, and fortieth days after death, as well as at three, six, and seven years.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: Έξι means 'six', while επτά means 'seven'.
This word:
Έχω επτά βιβλία.
I have seven books.
Confused word:
Έχω έξι βιβλία.
I have six books.
Notes: In sequence, έξι (6) comes before επτά (7).
Mnemonic: Remember that επτά starts with 'επ' like the English prefix 'hept-' (seven), while έξι sounds similar to 'hex-' (six).
Explanation: Οκτώ means 'eight', while επτά means 'seven'.
Confused word:
Θα συναντηθούμε στις οκτώ.
We will meet at eight.
Notes: In sequence, επτά (7) comes before οκτώ (8).
Mnemonic: Επτά has fewer letters than οκτώ, just as 7 is less than 8.