πονοκέφαλο
Wordform Details
Translation: headache
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
masculinesingularaccusativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: πονοκέφαλος
Translation: headache; head pain (noun)
Etymology: Compound word from πόνος (pain, suffering) + κεφάλι (head). The word πόνος derives from ancient Greek and is cognate with Latin poena (penalty, punishment), which gives English 'pain' and 'penalty'. The second element κεφάλι comes from ancient Greek κεφαλή (head), related to English 'cephalic' and medical terms like 'encephalitis'. This transparent compound structure makes it easy for learners to understand - literally 'head-pain'.
Mnemonics
- Think 'pono-' sounds like 'pain' and 'cephalos' like medical head terms
- Remember: pain + head = headache
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Very commonly used in everyday Greek to describe headaches. Greeks often discuss minor ailments openly and this word appears frequently in casual conversation about health complaints.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: Both are compound words starting with πονο- but refer to different body parts - head vs tooth
Confused word:
Έχω πονόδοντο και πρέπει να πάω στον οδοντίατρο.
I have a toothache and need to go to the dentist.
Notes: Both follow the same compound pattern: πονο- + body part
Mnemonic: Κέφαλος = head (like cephalic), δόντος = tooth (like dental)