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B1 noun 8 Min. Lesezeit

μεταβολή

a change or adjustment

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'μεταβολή' means 'change'. You might hear it in very simple contexts, like the weather. Imagine you are looking at the sky and it starts to rain; a Greek person might say 'μεταβολή του καιρού'. It is a big word for a beginner, but it's useful to recognize it when you hear the news. Think of it as a formal version of 'αλλαγή' (change). You don't need to use it yourself yet, but if you see it on a sign or hear it on TV, just remember it means something is becoming different. It is a feminine word, so we say 'η μεταβολή'.
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At the A2 level, you can start to distinguish 'μεταβολή' from the more common 'αλλαγή'. While 'αλλαγή' is what you use for changing your clothes or a bus, 'μεταβολή' is for more 'serious' changes. You will see it in newspapers or hear it in medical contexts. For example, if a doctor asks about a 'μεταβολή' in your health, they are asking if something has changed significantly. You should also learn the phrase 'Μεταβολή!' as a command to turn around. It's a fun way to remember the word. Start noticing how it's used with the weather (μεταβολή του καιρού) and try to recognize it in written texts about the environment or the economy.
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As a B1 learner, you should be able to use 'μεταβολή' in your own sentences, especially in professional or academic settings. You understand that this word implies a process or a shift in state. You can pair it with adjectives like 'απότομη' (sudden) or 'σταδιακή' (gradual). You are now aware of the genitive construction: 'η μεταβολή της κατάστασης' (the change of the situation). This is the level where you start using 'μεταβολή' to discuss topics like climate change (κλιματική μεταβολή) or economic shifts. You are beginning to feel the difference in 'flavor' between this word and 'αλλαγή', using 'μεταβολή' when you want to sound more precise and educated.
At the B2 level, you have a firm grasp of the nuances of 'μεταβολή'. You use it confidently in discussions about science, politics, and sociology. You know that it can mean 'metabolism' in biological contexts and 'adjustment' in technical ones. You are comfortable with the word family, including the verb 'μεταβάλλω' (to change/alter) and the adjective 'μεταβλητός' (variable). You can use the word to describe complex phenomena, such as 'κοινωνική μεταβολή' (social change) or 'δημογραφική μεταβολή' (demographic change). Your usage is grammatically correct, and you rarely confuse it with 'αλλαγή' in formal writing. You also understand its use in mathematical contexts to describe variations.
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At the C1 level, 'μεταβολή' is a standard part of your high-level vocabulary. You use it to describe subtle shifts in tone, register, or complex systems. You are aware of its historical and etymological roots and can use it in idiomatic or highly formal ways. You might use it in legal or academic papers to describe the 'τροποποίηση' (modification) of a state or a 'μετασχηματισμός' (transformation). You understand the philosophical implications of 'μεταβολή' in ancient Greek thought (like Heraclitus) and can discuss it in that context. You can also use the word in the military sense metaphorically to describe a total reversal of a policy or a sudden change in a person's character with great precision.
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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'μεταβολή' is indistinguishable from a native speaker's. You use it with perfect precision across all domains—scientific, literary, military, and colloquial. You can appreciate the rhythm it adds to a sentence and choose it over synonyms to achieve a specific rhetorical effect. You are familiar with rare collocations and can use the word to discuss the most abstract transformations in philosophy or quantum physics. You understand the historical evolution of the word from Homeric Greek to the modern day and can navigate its various shades of meaning in different historical texts. For you, 'μεταβολή' is not just a word for 'change'; it is a tool for describing the very nature of existence and flux.
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Beispiele

μεταβολή in 30 Sekunden

  • A formal noun meaning 'change' or 'adjustment'.
  • Used in science, weather, and professional contexts.
  • Root of the English word 'metabolism'.
  • Feminine gender (η μεταβολή) with a distinct military usage.

The Greek word μεταβολή (metavolí) is a sophisticated noun that translates primarily to "change," "alteration," or "adjustment." While the common word for change is αλλαγή, μεταβολή carries a weight of formality and scientific precision. It describes a transition from one state to another, often implying a process that is either systematic, sudden, or profound. In the Greek language, this word is deeply rooted in the concept of movement and transformation, originating from the prefix μετά- (indicating change or sequence) and the root βάλλω (to throw or place). Thus, etymologically, it suggests a "re-throwing" or a "displacement" of the current state into something new.

Scientific Context
In biology and chemistry, it refers to the transformation of substances. It is the root of the English word 'metabolism' (μεταβολισμός), describing the chemical changes that occur within a living cell.
Meteorological Context
When the weather shifts dramatically, Greeks use this term. A 'μεταβολή του καιρού' implies a significant front moving in, rather than just a passing cloud.
Military Context
Used as a command, 'Μεταβολή!' means 'About face!' or 'Turn around!', signaling a 180-degree physical shift in direction.

Understanding when to use μεταβολή versus αλλαγή is key for B1 learners. You would use αλλαγή for changing clothes or changing a mind, but you use μεταβολή when discussing statistical shifts, climate fluctuations, or significant life adjustments. It is the word of choice for news anchors, scientists, and historians when they describe the shifting tides of society or nature.

Παρατηρήθηκε μια απότομη μεταβολή στις τιμές των μετοχών. (A sudden change in stock prices was observed.)

Η μεταβολή των συνθηκών εργασίας ήταν απαραίτητη. (The adjustment of working conditions was necessary.)

Ο οργανισμός δυσκολεύεται στη μεταβολή των τροφών. (The organism has difficulty in the transformation/metabolism of food.)

Η κλιματική μεταβολή επηρεάζει ολόκληρο τον πλανήτη. (Climate change affects the entire planet.)

Έγινε μεταβολή στα δρομολόγια των λεωφορείων. (An adjustment was made to the bus schedules.)

Ultimately, μεταβολή is a word that bridges the gap between everyday life and academic discourse. Whether you are discussing the weather, your health, or the economy, this word provides the necessary precision to describe how things evolve. It is a feminine noun (η μεταβολή), and its plural form is οι μεταβολές. When you use it, you signal to your listener that you are speaking about a change that has significance or follows a specific pattern of transformation.

Using μεταβολή correctly requires understanding its grammatical environment. As a noun, it often appears with adjectives that describe the nature of the change. Common adjectives include απότομη (sudden), σταδιακή (gradual), σημαντική (significant), and μόνιμη (permanent). These pairings help specify exactly how the adjustment is taking place.

Subject of the Sentence
'Η μεταβολή του καιρού μας ξάφνιασε.' (The change of the weather surprised us.) Here, the noun acts as the catalyst for the action.
Object of a Verb
'Η κυβέρνηση ανακοίνωσε μια μεταβολή στη φορολογία.' (The government announced a change in taxation.) This shows an external force acting upon a system.
Prepositional Phrases
'Μετά από μια μεταβολή...' (After a change...). It is often used to set the scene for subsequent events.

In technical writing, you will frequently see it paired with the genitive case to denote what is changing. For example, μεταβολή της θερμοκρασίας (change of temperature) or μεταβολή της ταχύτητας (change of speed). This structure is formal and precise. In contrast, using the preposition σε (in) followed by the accusative, like μεταβολή στο πρόγραμμα (change in the schedule), is slightly more common in everyday professional communication.

Δεν περιμέναμε τέτοια μεταβολή στη συμπεριφορά του. (We didn't expect such a change in his behavior.)

Η μεταβολή των δεδομένων απαιτεί νέα ανάλυση. (The alteration of data requires new analysis.)

Κάθε μεταβολή στο σχέδιο πρέπει να εγκριθεί. (Every adjustment to the plan must be approved.)

When speaking about time, μεταβολή can describe the passage from one era or season to another. It implies a transition that is not just a simple swap, but a structural shift. For instance, the transition from democracy to another system in history would be termed a πολιτειακή μεταβολή. This level of vocabulary marks you as an intermediate-to-advanced speaker who understands the nuances of Greek formal registers. Practice using it with verbs like επιφέρω (bring about), προκαλώ (cause), or παρατηρώ (observe) to sound more natural and professional.

In Greece, μεταβολή is ubiquitous in specific domains. If you turn on the news, you will hear it during the weather forecast. The meteorologist might say, "Αναμένεται επιδείνωση και μεταβολή του καιρού από το βράδυ" (A worsening and change of weather is expected from tonight). This is perhaps the most common place a learner will encounter the word in daily life. It signals that the sunny skies are about to be replaced by something else, usually rain or cold.

The News & Economy
Financial reports use it to describe fluctuations in the market. 'Μεταβολή του ΑΕΠ' (Change in GDP) is a standard phrase in economic journalism.
Medical Consultations
A doctor might ask if you've noticed any 'μεταβολή στο βάρος σας' (change in your weight) or 'μεταβολή στην όρεξη' (change in appetite).
Academic Lectures
In university settings, whether in physics, sociology, or linguistics, 'μεταβολή' is the standard term for any variable change or evolution of a phenomenon.

You will also hear it in the military or in physical education contexts. As mentioned, the command "Μεταβολή!" is iconic. It is used during drills and parades. In a metaphorical sense, people use this command in daily speech to mean "Stop what you're doing and go back" or "Complete change of plan." For example, if a group of friends is walking toward a closed shop, someone might shout "Μεταβολή!" to tell everyone to turn around and head elsewhere.

Στο δελτίο ειδήσεων μίλησαν για τη μεταβολή των τιμών της ενέργειας. (On the news bulletin they spoke about the change in energy prices.)

Ο γυμναστής έδωσε το παράγγελμα: "Μεταβολή!". (The trainer gave the command: "About face!".)

Lastly, in the digital age, you might see this word in software settings. If you are changing settings on a Greek interface, you might see "Αποθήκευση μεταβολών" (Save changes), though "αλλαγών" is also common. However, when the software refers to the 'modification' of a file's state, μεταβολή is the more technical and appropriate term. It implies a logged, significant adjustment to the core data.

The most frequent mistake learners make is overusing μεταβολή in informal contexts where αλλαγή would be more natural. While they both mean "change," they are not always interchangeable. For instance, you would never say "μεταβολή ρούχων" to mean changing your clothes; that would sound like you are performing a scientific experiment on your attire. Similarly, "μεταβολή γνώμης" (change of opinion) is possible but sounds very stiff compared to the common "αλλαγή γνώμης."

Register Confusion
Mistake: Using 'μεταβολή' for small, trivial changes. Correction: Use 'αλλαγή' for everyday things like changing a channel or a seat.
Gender Errors
Mistake: Treating it as masculine because it ends in -η (some learners confuse it with -ης). Correction: It is strictly feminine (η μεταβολή).
Confusion with 'Μεταφορά'
Mistake: Confusing 'μεταβολή' (change) with 'μεταφορά' (transfer/transport). Correction: 'Μεταβολή' is about state; 'Μεταφορά' is about location.

Another common error involves the prepositional usage. Some learners forget that when μεταβολή is followed by a noun, that noun usually needs to be in the genitive case. Saying "μεταβολή ο καιρός" is grammatically incorrect; it must be "μεταβολή του καιρού." If you use the preposition σε, remember the accusative: "μεταβολή στο πρόγραμμα."

Λάθος: Έκανα μεταβολή στα ρούχα μου. Σωστό: Έκανα αλλαγή στα ρούχα μου.

Λάθος: Η μεταβολή του λεωφορείου. Σωστό: Η μετεπιβίβαση ή η αλλαγή λεωφορείου.

Finally, avoid confusing the noun μεταβολή with the verb μεταβάλλω. While they share the same root, the noun is the result or the phenomenon, while the verb is the action. For example, you would say "Η μεταβολή έγινε" (The change happened), but "Ο καιρός μεταβάλλεται" (The weather is changing). Keeping these parts of speech distinct will significantly improve your Greek fluency and accuracy.

Greek is a language rich in synonyms, and "change" is no exception. Depending on the context—whether you are talking about a small adjustment, a total transformation, or a physical replacement—you have several options. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the right word for the right situation.

Αλλαγή (Allagi)
The most common word for change. Used for everything from changing clothes to changing plans. It is less formal than μεταβολή.
Τροποποίηση (Tropopoiisi)
Specifically means 'modification' or 'amendment'. Use this for legal documents, contracts, or minor adjustments to a plan.
Μετατροπή (Metatropi)
Means 'conversion'. Used when one thing is turned into another (e.g., converting currency, or a sofa that turns into a bed).
Μεταμόρφωση (Metamorfosi)
Refers to a radical change in form or appearance (metamorphosis), like a caterpillar into a butterfly or a major city renovation.

When comparing μεταβολή to τροποποίηση, note that μεταβολή is broader. A μεταβολή could be natural and spontaneous (like the weather), whereas a τροποποίηση usually implies a deliberate human action. For example, you τροποποιείς (modify) a law, but the climate μεταβάλλεται (changes). Similarly, μετατροπή is more functional; you use it when the purpose or function of an object changes, while μεταβολή is more about the state or quality of something.

Η μετατροπή του δολαρίου σε ευρώ. (The conversion of dollars to euros.)

Χρειάζεται μια τροποποίηση στο συμβόλαιο. (A modification to the contract is needed.)

In summary, while μεταβολή is your go-to word for significant, formal, or scientific changes, always keep αλλαγή in your back pocket for daily interactions. By distinguishing between these terms, you demonstrate a deep understanding of Greek semantics and register, allowing you to express yourself with the same precision as a native speaker.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

1

Η μεταβολή του καιρού είναι σήμερα.

The change of the weather is today.

Simple subject-verb-predicate structure.

2

Βλέπω μια μεταβολή.

I see a change.

Direct object in the accusative.

3

Η μεταβολή είναι καλή.

The change is good.

Feminine article 'Η' matches 'μεταβολή'.

4

Θέλω μια μεταβολή.

I want a change.

Accusative case 'μια μεταβολή'.

5

Μικρή μεταβολή.

Small change.

Adjective-noun agreement.

6

Η μεταβολή του προγράμματος.

The change of the schedule.

Genitive case 'του προγράμματος'.

7

Πότε είναι η μεταβολή;

When is the change?

Interrogative sentence.

8

Μεταβολή!

About face! / Turn!

Imperative command usage.

1

Υπάρχει μια μεταβολή στη θερμοκρασία.

There is a change in the temperature.

Use of 'στη' (preposition + article).

2

Η μεταβολή έγινε γρήγορα.

The change happened quickly.

Adverb 'γρήγορα' modifying the verb.

3

Δεν είδα καμία μεταβολή.

I didn't see any change.

Negative construction with 'καμία'.

4

Η μεταβολή της ώρας είναι την Κυριακή.

The time change is on Sunday.

Genitive of time 'της ώρας'.

5

Περιμένουμε μια μεταβολή στο σχέδιο.

We are waiting for a change in the plan.

Present continuous sense.

6

Η μεταβολή ήταν απότομη.

The change was sudden.

Adjective 'απότομη' in the feminine.

7

Αυτή η μεταβολή είναι σημαντική.

This change is important.

Demonstrative pronoun 'Αυτή'.

8

Χρειάζεται μεταβολή στη διατροφή.

A change in diet is needed.

Impersonal verb 'χρειάζεται'.

1

Η κλιματική μεταβολή είναι ένα παγκόσμιο πρόβλημα.

Climate change is a global problem.

Compound concept 'κλιματική μεταβολή'.

2

Παρατηρήθηκε μια μεταβολή στις τιμές των καυσίμων.

A change in fuel prices was observed.

Passive voice 'Παρατηρήθηκε'.

3

Ο γιατρός είπε ότι η μεταβολή είναι φυσιολογική.

The doctor said that the change is normal.

Indirect speech with 'ότι'.

4

Έγινε μεταβολή στα δρομολόγια των πλοίων λόγω ανέμου.

A change in ship schedules occurred due to wind.

Causal phrase 'λόγω ανέμου'.

5

Η μεταβολή της στάσης του μας εξέπληξε όλους.

The change of his attitude surprised us all.

Genitive 'της στάσης του'.

6

Πρέπει να κάνουμε μια μεταβολή στην τακτική μας.

We must make a change in our tactics.

Modal verb 'πρέπει' + subjunctive.

7

Η σταδιακή μεταβολή του περιβάλλοντος είναι εμφανής.

The gradual change of the environment is evident.

Adjective 'σταδιακή' (gradual).

8

Ανακοινώθηκε μεταβολή στον νόμο για τις επιχειρήσεις.

A change in the law for businesses was announced.

Prepositional phrase 'στον νόμο'.

1

Η μεταβολή του μεταβολισμού επηρεάζει το βάρος.

The change of metabolism affects weight.

Using 'μεταβολή' and 'μεταβολισμός' together.

2

Κάθε μεταβολή της παραμέτρου αλλάζει το αποτέλεσμα.

Every change of the parameter changes the result.

Technical use of 'παραμέτρου'.

3

Η κοινωνική μεταβολή απαιτεί χρόνο και προσπάθεια.

Social change requires time and effort.

Abstract concept 'κοινωνική μεταβολή'.

4

Η απότομη μεταβολή της πίεσης προκάλεσε πονοκέφαλο.

The sudden change in pressure caused a headache.

Cause and effect structure.

5

Δεν επιτρέπεται καμία μεταβολή στο πρωτότυπο κείμενο.

No alteration to the original text is allowed.

Formal passive 'Δεν επιτρέπεται'.

6

Η μεταβολή της ταχύτητας ονομάζεται επιτάχυνση.

The change of speed is called acceleration.

Scientific definition structure.

7

Υπήρξε μια μεταβολή στη σύνθεση της επιτροπής.

There was a change in the composition of the committee.

Use of 'Υπήρξε' (There was).

8

Η δημογραφική μεταβολή θα επηρεάσει τις συντάξεις.

The demographic change will affect pensions.

Future tense 'θα επηρεάσει'.

1

Η μεταβολή των πολιτικών ισορροπιών στην περιοχή είναι ανησυχητική.

The change of political balances in the region is worrying.

Complex genitive 'των πολιτικών ισορροπιών'.

2

Ο Ηράκλειτος πίστευε στη συνεχή μεταβολή των πάντων.

Heraclitus believed in the continuous change of everything.

Philosophical context.

3

Η μεταβολή της νομισματικής πολιτικής ήταν αναπόφευκτη.

The change of monetary policy was inevitable.

High-level economic vocabulary.

4

Παρατηρούμε μια μεταβολή στο ύφος της λογοτεχνίας του.

We observe a change in the style of his literature.

Literary analysis context.

5

Η βιολογική μεταβολή των κυττάρων είναι μια περίπλοκη διαδικασία.

The biological transformation of cells is a complex process.

Technical scientific language.

6

Η μεταβολή του σκηνικού έγινε μέσα σε λίγα λεπτά.

The change of scenery happened within a few minutes.

Idiomatic 'μεταβολή του σκηνικού'.

7

Η μεταβολή των συνθηκών διαβίωσης βελτίωσε την υγεία του πληθυσμού.

The change in living conditions improved the health of the population.

Subject is a complex noun phrase.

8

Απαιτείται ριζική μεταβολή του εκπαιδευτικού συστήματος.

A radical change of the educational system is required.

Formal verb 'Απαιτείται'.

1

Η οντολογική μεταβολή της ύλης αποτελεί αντικείμενο της κβαντομηχανικής.

The ontological change of matter is a subject of quantum mechanics.

Highly academic 'οντολογική'.

2

Η μεταβολή της στρατηγικής του κράτους σηματοδοτεί μια νέα εποχή.

The change in the state's strategy marks a new era.

Metaphorical 'σηματοδοτεί'.

3

Η αέναη μεταβολή του σύμπαντος είναι μια θεμελιώδης αλήθεια.

The eternal change of the universe is a fundamental truth.

Poetic/Philosophical 'αέναη'.

4

Η μεταβολή των ηθών και των εθίμων είναι μια αργή διαδικασία.

The change of morals and customs is a slow process.

Sociological terminology.

5

Η μεταβολή της φωνής του πρόδιδε την εσωτερική του ταραχή.

The change in his voice betrayed his inner turmoil.

Literary use of 'πρόδιδε'.

6

Δεν υπήρξε καμία μεταβολή στο ιδιοκτησιακό καθεστώς της εταιρείας.

There was no change in the ownership status of the company.

Legal/Business register.

7

Η μεταβολή των περιβαλλοντικών παραμέτρων οδήγησε στην εξαφάνιση του είδους.

The change in environmental parameters led to the extinction of the species.

Complex scientific causality.

8

Η μεταβολή του πολιτεύματος έγινε αναίμακτα.

The change of the regime happened bloodlessly.

Historical/Political term 'αναίμακτα'.

Häufige Kollokationen

απότομη μεταβολή
κλιματική μεταβολή
μεταβολή του καιρού
μεταβολή της κατάστασης
μεταβολή των δεδομένων
σημαντική μεταβολή
σταδιακή μεταβολή
μεταβολή των τιμών
μεταβολή του πληθυσμού
μεταβολή της ταχύτητας

Häufige Phrasen

Επιδείνωση και μεταβολή

Χωρίς καμία μεταβολή

Μεταβολή πλεύσης

Μεταβολή σκηνικού

Υπόκειται σε μεταβολές

Μεταβολή της τύχης

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