κυνήγι
Wordform Details
Translation: huntingchasepursuit
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
neutersingularaccusativeIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: κυνήγι
Translation: hunt; hunting; chase; pursuit (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek κυνηγέσιον (kynēgésion), derived from κύων (kýōn, 'dog') and ἄγω (ágō, 'to lead'). The word literally meant 'leading of dogs' or 'hunting with dogs', reflecting the ancient practice of hunting with canine companions. The connection to dogs (κύων) shares the same Indo-European root as English 'hound' and 'canine'.
Example Usage
Πήγε για κυνήγι στο βουνό.
He went hunting in the mountains.
Το κυνήγι της επιτυχίας είναι εξαντλητικό.
The pursuit of success is exhausting.
Η άγρια ζωή υποφέρει από το παράνομο κυνήγι.
Wildlife suffers from illegal hunting.
Ο πατέρας μου πηγαίνει για κυνήγι κάθε φθινόπωρο.
My father goes hunting every autumn.
Το κυνήγι της επιτυχίας απαιτεί υπομονή και επιμονή.
The pursuit of success requires patience and persistence.
Απαγορεύεται το κυνήγι σε αυτή την περιοχή.
Hunting is forbidden in this area.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'canine' (dog) + 'aegis' (leadership) = leading dogs on a hunt
- The 'κυν-' part relates to 'canine', reminding you of hunting with dogs
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Hunting has a long tradition in Greek culture, dating back to ancient times. In modern Greece, hunting is a popular recreational activity, especially in rural areas, with specific hunting seasons and regulations. The concept of 'κυνήγι' extends metaphorically to pursuing goals, dreams, or opportunities.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'κυνήγι' means 'hunting/chase', 'κίνηση' means 'movement/motion/traffic'. They sound somewhat similar but have different meanings and uses.
Confused word:
Υπάρχει πολλή κίνηση στους δρόμους σήμερα.
There is a lot of traffic on the roads today.
Notes: The stress falls on different syllables: κυΝΉγι vs ΚΊνηση.
Mnemonic: 'Κυνήγι' has 'κυν' which sounds like 'canine' (dogs for hunting), while 'κίνηση' sounds like 'kinesis' (movement).