ψηλά
Wordform Details
Translation: hightallup high
Part of Speech: adverb
Inflection Type:
adverbialformofadjectiveIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: ψηλός
Translation: tall; high; lofty (adjective)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ὑψηλός (hupsēlós, 'high, lofty'), from ὕψος (húpsos, 'height'). The initial υ- (hu-) was dropped in Modern Greek. The root is related to English words like 'hypsi-' (meaning high) in scientific terms like 'hypsibema' (high step) and 'hypsography' (description of elevations).
Example Usage
Ο αδερφός μου είναι πολύ ψηλός.
My brother is very tall.
Μένω σε ένα ψηλό κτίριο.
I live in a tall building.
Τα ψηλά βουνά καλύπτονται με χιόνι.
The high mountains are covered with snow.
Είναι ένας ψηλός άντρας.
He is a tall man.
Το κτίριο είναι πολύ ψηλό.
The building is very tall.
Έχει ψηλούς στόχους.
He has high goals.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'psi-low' (the opposite of its meaning) to remember it means 'tall' through contrast
- The 'ps' sound (ψ) at the beginning can remind you of something stretching upward
Cultural Context
Height is often commented on in Greek culture, and being tall is generally considered a positive attribute. The word is used in many common expressions and idioms related to status and ambition.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'ψηλός' means 'tall/high', 'ψιλός' means 'thin/fine/slight'. They differ by just one vowel (η vs ι).
This word:
Ο Γιάννης είναι ψηλός.
Yannis is tall.
Confused word:
Το ύφασμα είναι ψιλό.
The fabric is fine/thin.
Notes: These words are frequently confused even by Greeks in casual writing, especially in text messages.
Mnemonic: Remember: 'η' (eta) in ψηλός is taller than 'ι' (iota) in ψιλός, just like the meaning!
Explanation: 'ψηλός' means 'tall/high' while 'ψύλλος' means 'flea'.
This word:
Το δέντρο είναι ψηλό.
The tree is tall.
Confused word:
Ο σκύλος έχει ψύλλους.
The dog has fleas.
Notes: The pronunciation is quite different despite the similar spelling.
Mnemonic: The double 'λλ' in ψύλλος looks like two tiny fleas jumping.