νησί
Wordform Details
Translation: island
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
neutersingularnominativeIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: νησί
Translation: island (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek νησίον (nēsíon), diminutive of νῆσος (nêsos, 'island'). The Ancient Greek word is related to the Proto-Indo-European root *sneh₂- meaning 'to swim, to float', reflecting the concept of land surrounded by water. This same root gave us the English word 'natation' (swimming) and is related to 'navigate'.
Example Usage
Η Σαντορίνη είναι ένα όμορφο νησί.
Santorini is a beautiful island.
Τα ελληνικά νησιά είναι δημοφιλείς τουριστικοί προορισμοί.
The Greek islands are popular tourist destinations.
Ζει σε ένα μικρό νησί στο Αιγαίο.
He lives on a small island in the Aegean.
Κάθε καλοκαίρι πηγαίνουμε διακοπές σε διαφορετικό νησί.
Every summer we go on vacation to a different island.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'νησί' (pronounced nee-SEE) as 'I see the sea' all around an island.
- Connect it with 'necessary' - islands were necessary stopping points for ancient Greek sailors.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Greece has approximately 6,000 islands and islets, of which only 227 are inhabited. Islands are central to Greek identity, tourism, and culture. The Greek islands are divided into several groups including the Cyclades, Dodecanese, Ionian Islands, and the Aegean Islands. Many Greek myths and stories take place on islands, and island life represents an important aspect of Greek cultural heritage.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'νησί' is the common, everyday word for 'island', 'νήσος' is its more formal or literary equivalent. 'Νήσος' is often used in official names, geography, and formal contexts.
This word:
Πήγαμε διακοπές σε ένα νησί στις Κυκλάδες.
We went on vacation to an island in the Cyclades.
Confused word:
Η Νήσος Κρήτη είναι η μεγαλύτερη στην Ελλάδα.
The Island of Crete is the largest in Greece.
Notes: 'Νήσος' often appears in compound place names and official geographical terminology, while 'νησί' is used in everyday speech.
Mnemonic: 'Νησί' ends with 'ι' like 'easy' - it's the easy, everyday word. 'Νήσος' ends with 'ος' like 'verbose' - it's more formal.
Explanation: Though they sound somewhat similar, 'νησί' means 'island' while 'νηστεία' means 'fasting' or 'abstinence from food'.
Notes: These words have completely different meanings and contexts despite their similar beginnings.
Mnemonic: 'Νησί' (nee-SEE) has a short ending, like a small island. 'Νηστεία' (nee-STI-a) has a longer ending, like the long period of fasting.