οικογένεια
Wordform Details
Translation: family
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
femininesingularnominativeIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: οικογένεια
Translation: family; household (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek οἰκογένεια (oikogéneia), from οἶκος (oîkos, 'house') + γένος (génos, 'race, birth, descent'). The root οἶκος is related to English 'economy' (from οἰκονομία, 'household management') and 'ecology', while γένος shares the same Indo-European root as English 'gene', 'generate', and 'genus'.
Example Usage
Έχω μια μεγάλη οικογένεια.
I have a large family.
Η οικογένειά μου είναι το πιο σημαντικό πράγμα στη ζωή μου.
My family is the most important thing in my life.
Κάθε Κυριακή τρώμε όλη η οικογένεια μαζί.
Every Sunday the whole family eats together.
Προέρχεται από καλή οικογένεια.
He/she comes from a good family.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'οίκος' (house) + 'γένεια' (related to 'gene') = the genetic household or people of the same house.
- Connect with 'economy' (οικονομία) which originally meant 'household management'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Family is a central institution in Greek society, with strong bonds extending to the extended family. Greek families traditionally maintain close relationships, with frequent gatherings and celebrations. The concept of 'οικογένεια' often extends beyond the nuclear family to include grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who may be actively involved in daily life and decision-making.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'οικογένεια' means 'family', 'οικονομία' means 'economy'. They share the root 'οίκος' (house), but have different meanings.
Notes: Both terms derive from 'οίκος' (house) but refer to different aspects of household: the people (family) versus the management (economy).
Mnemonic: οικογένεια has 'γένεια' (related to genes/generation) while οικονομία has 'νομία' (related to management/rules).