κύριος
Wordform Details
Translation: mainprincipalprimarychief
Part of Speech: adjective
Inflection Type:
masculinesingularnominativeIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: κύριος
Translation: Lord; Mr.; sir; gentleman (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek κύριος (kyrios) meaning 'having power, authority, lord, master', derived from κῦρος (kyros) 'power, authority'. This word is cognate with English 'church' (from Greek κυριακόν 'belonging to the Lord') and appears in the English word 'kyrie' (from 'Kyrie eleison' - Lord have mercy). The root relates to concepts of authority and dominion, making it one of the most important titles in both secular and religious Greek contexts throughout history.
Example Usage
Καλημέρα σας, κύριε Παπαδόπουλε.
Good morning, Mr. Papadopoulos.
Ο κύριος του σπιτιού μας υποδέχτηκε θερμά.
The master of the house welcomed us warmly.
Ο Κύριος είναι ο ποιμένας μου.
The Lord is my shepherd.
Συγγνώμη, κύριε, μπορείτε να με βοηθήσετε;
Excuse me, sir, can you help me?
Καλησπέρα κύριε Γιάννη.
Good evening, Mr. John.
Ο κύριος του σπιτιού δεν είναι εδώ.
The master of the house is not here.
Κύριε και κυρίες, καλώς ήρθατε!
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome!
Mnemonics
- Think 'curious' - a curious person might ask 'Who is the master here?'
- Remember 'Kyrie eleison' from church music - 'Lord have mercy'
Synonyms
Cultural Context
Essential in Greek politeness and formal address. Used before surnames (Κύριος Παπαδόπουλος), in business contexts, and religious settings. The feminine form κυρία is equally important for addressing women. Shows respect and maintains social distance.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: κυρίως is an adverb meaning 'mainly, primarily' while κύριος is a noun meaning 'mister, lord'
Confused word:
Τρώω κυρίως φρούτα.
I eat mainly fruits.
Notes: κυρίως is actually derived from κύριος but functions completely differently grammatically
Mnemonic: κύριος has no extra letters - it's the basic 'mister'; κυρίως has extra letters (-ως) for 'mainly'