επίσης

The Greek word επίσης (pronounced e-pí-sis) is a fundamental adverb that every learner of the Greek language encounters very early in their journey. At its core, it functions similarly to the English words also, too, or likewise. It is a tool of addition and connection, allowing speakers to append information to a previous statement or to express agreement with what has just been said. Its versatility is its greatest strength, as it can appear in formal academic writing, professional emails, and casual street-side conversations without ever feeling out of place. In the hierarchy of Greek connectors, it is perhaps the most neutral and widely applicable term for indicating that something else is true in the same way as the first thing mentioned.

Primary Function

The word serves as an additive adverb, linking two similar ideas or adding a new subject/object to an existing action. It signals to the listener that the scope of the sentence is expanding to include an additional element.

One of the most common scenarios where a beginner will use this word is in the standard social exchange of well-wishes. When someone says 'Have a nice day' (Καλή σου μέρα), the most natural and polite response is 'You too' (Επίσης). In this context, the word acts as a linguistic mirror, reflecting the sentiment back to the speaker. This usage is so prevalent that 'Επίσης' often stands alone as a complete sentence in dialogue. It is the verbal shorthand for 'I wish the same thing for you as you just wished for me.' This makes it an essential component of Greek politeness and social etiquette, particularly during holidays or daily greetings.

Beyond simple greetings, the word is used to build complex thoughts. If you are describing your interests, you might say, 'I like music; I also like sports.' In Greek, this becomes 'Μου αρέσει η μουσική. Μου αρέσει επίσης ο αθλητισμός.' Here, it provides a smooth transition that prevents the speech from sounding like a disjointed list of facts. It creates a sense of continuity and logical flow. Interestingly, unlike some other Greek adverbs that have strict placement rules, this word is relatively flexible, though its position can slightly shift the emphasis of the sentence. Placing it near the verb is common, but placing it at the end of a clause is also very frequent in spoken Greek.

Historically, the word is a compound of the preposition 'επί' (on/at) and the noun 'ίσος' (equal). This etymological root explains its deep meaning: treating two things as being on an equal footing or in an equal state. When you use this word, you are essentially saying that the second item has the same status as the first. This concept of 'equality' is vital for understanding why it is used for both 'also' and 'likewise'. It bridges the gap between different entities by highlighting their shared attributes or actions. In modern usage, it has largely lost its literal sense of 'equality' and is treated purely as a grammatical connector, but that underlying sense of balance remains.

Register and Tone

While it is perfectly acceptable in all registers, in extremely formal legal or academic texts, writers might occasionally opt for 'επιπροσθέτως' (additionally) to sound more sophisticated. However, for 99% of situations, 'επίσης' is the correct and most natural choice.

For an English speaker, the main challenge is not understanding the meaning, but rather mastering the natural placement within a sentence. In English, we often put 'too' at the very end. In Greek, while you can put it at the end, it often feels more 'Greek' to place it right after the verb or even before the subject if you want to emphasize the addition. For example, 'Ήρθε και ο Γιώργος επίσης' (George came too) is correct, but 'Επίσης ήρθε ο Γιώργος' (Also, George came) changes the rhythm of the information delivery. Learning these subtle shifts in position will help your Greek sound more authentic and less like a direct translation from English.

Finally, it is worth noting that 'επίσης' is often paired with the conjunction 'και' (and). The combination 'και... επίσης' is very common and serves to reinforce the additive nature of the sentence. It's like saying 'and also'. While it might seem redundant to an English ear, in Greek, it provides a rhythmic beat that makes the sentence feel complete. As you progress in your studies, you will notice that 'επίσης' is a reliable friend—it doesn't change its form based on gender or number, and it always delivers its meaning clearly. It is one of the building blocks of a coherent Greek narrative.

Using επίσης correctly involves understanding its syntactic flexibility and its role as a logical bridge. Because it is an adverb, it does not decline (change its ending), which makes it significantly easier to use than Greek nouns or adjectives. However, its placement is key to conveying the intended meaning clearly. Let's explore the various ways it can be integrated into your sentences, from simple responses to complex descriptive paragraphs.

The Isolated Response

The simplest use is as a one-word reply. When someone offers a greeting like 'Χρόνια Πολλά' (Happy Birthday/Many Years), you can simply say 'Επίσης' to mean 'The same to you'. It is the ultimate polite reflex.

When constructing full sentences, the most common position for the word is after the verb or at the end of the phrase. For instance, if you want to say 'I speak English and I also speak Greek,' you would say: 'Μιλάω αγγλικά και μιλάω επίσης ελληνικά.' Alternatively, you could say: 'Μιλάω αγγλικά και ελληνικά επίσης.' Both are perfectly valid, but placing it before the second object ('ελληνικά') often sounds more structured and deliberate. It acts as a signpost, telling the listener that another item is coming.

Another frequent pattern involves using it to link two independent clauses. In this case, it often appears at the beginning of the second sentence to provide a transition. For example: 'Το ξενοδοχείο ήταν πολύ καθαρό. Επίσης, το προσωπικό ήταν πολύ ευγενικό.' (The hotel was very clean. Also, the staff was very polite.) Using it this way helps organize a list of qualities or reasons. It is very common in reviews, reports, and storytelling where you are layering details one on top of another. Note the use of the comma after the word when it starts a sentence; this is a standard punctuation rule in Greek, just as it is in English.

In more advanced usage, you might encounter it in the phrase 'όπως επίσης και' (as also). This is a slightly more formal way of saying 'as well as'. For example: 'Ενδιαφέρεται για την ιστορία, όπως επίσης και για την αρχαιολογία.' (He is interested in history, as well as in archaeology.) This construction is elegant and helps avoid repeating the verb. It shows a higher level of fluency and a grasp of Greek stylistic conventions. It's important to remember that while 'επίσης' is flexible, it shouldn't be overused. If every sentence in a paragraph starts with it, the text becomes repetitive. Native speakers often alternate it with 'ακόμα' (still/also) or 'επιπλέον' (furthermore) to keep the language engaging.

Common Verb Pairings

It is frequently found with verbs of existence (είναι, υπάρχει), verbs of preference (μου αρέσει, προτιμώ), and verbs of action (κάνω, πηγαίνω). It essentially 'multiplies' the action across multiple subjects or objects.

Finally, let's look at the nuance of using it with negative sentences. In English, we switch from 'also' to 'either' or 'neither' in negative contexts (e.g., 'I don't like it either'). In Greek, however, you generally do NOT use 'επίσης' in negative sentences. Instead, you use 'ούτε' or 'ούτε κι εγώ'. For example, if someone says 'I don't like fish,' you wouldn't say 'Επίσης' to agree. You would say 'Ούτε εμένα' or 'Ούτε κι εγώ'. This is a very common mistake for English speakers. 'Επίσης' is almost exclusively for positive addition or agreement. Mastering this distinction is a major step toward moving from an A1 to an A2 level of proficiency.

If you were to walk through the streets of Athens, sit in a café in Thessaloniki, or visit a village in Crete, επίσης is one of those words that would constantly drift into your ears. It is a workhorse of the Greek language, used by everyone from toddlers to professors. Its frequency is partly due to the Greek culture of politeness and social interaction, where acknowledging others and building upon what they say is a key social lubricant. Let's look at the specific environments where you are most likely to encounter it.

Social Greetings and Partings

This is the primary 'habitat' for the word. In Greece, greetings are not just functional; they are warm. When someone says 'Καλό Σαββατοκύριακο' (Have a good weekend), the immediate, almost instinctive response is 'Επίσης'. It’s heard at the end of phone calls, when leaving a shop, or when hanging out with friends.

In the service industry—shops, restaurants, and hotels—you will hear it constantly. A waiter might bring you your bill and say 'Ευχαριστούμε πολύ, καλό βράδυ' (Thank you very much, have a good evening). Your response? 'Επίσης, καλή συνέχεια' (You too, have a good rest of your day/evening). In these settings, it functions as a polite acknowledgement of the service provided and a reciprocation of the good vibes. It is short, efficient, and carries a lot of social weight. If you forget to say it, you might come across as slightly abrupt or cold, even if you don't mean to be.

Another place you'll hear it is in news broadcasts and talk shows. Greek journalists and presenters use it to transition between topics or to add details to a story. 'The Prime Minister visited the hospital today. Also, he met with the medical staff.' (Ο Πρωθυπουργός επισκέφθηκε σήμερα το νοσοκομείο. Επίσης, συναντήθηκε με το ιατρικό προσωπικό.) In this context, it takes on a more formal, informative tone. It helps the listener keep track of the different parts of a news segment. If you listen to Greek radio, pay attention to how the hosts use it to link different news items or to introduce a guest's additional qualifications.

In the classroom or a professional setting, the word is used to build on ideas. A student might say, 'I think the main theme of the book is love,' and another might add, 'Επίσης, πιστεύω ότι η μοναξιά είναι σημαντική' (Also, I believe that loneliness is important). It is the standard way to contribute to a discussion without interrupting or disagreeing. It signals that you are adding your voice to the collective conversation. In business meetings, it is used to list agenda items or to agree with a colleague's proposal: 'Συμφωνώ με τον Κώστα, και επίσης θα ήθελα να προσθέσω...' (I agree with Kostas, and also I would like to add...).

Digital Communication

In the world of text messages, WhatsApp, and social media comments, 'επίσης' is used extensively. It is often the very first word in a reply to a birthday wish or a holiday message. You might see it followed by a string of emojis like 🎂🎉🙏. It’s the digital equivalent of a polite nod.

Lastly, you'll hear it in the kitchen and at the dinner table. When discussing ingredients or recipes, Greeks use it to list what goes into a dish. 'Βάζουμε λάδι, αλάτι και επίσης λίγη ρίγανη' (We put oil, salt, and also a little oregano). Or when someone asks who wants more food: 'Θέλω εγώ, και ο Γιάννης επίσης' (I want some, and Giannis too). It is a word that helps manage the logistics of daily life. Whether you are in a formal boardroom or a noisy family kitchen, 'επίσης' is the thread that ties different pieces of information together into a coherent whole. By learning to recognize and use it, you are tapping into a fundamental rhythm of Greek communication.

While επίσης is a relatively straightforward word, English speakers and other learners often fall into a few predictable traps. Because the Greek language has its own unique logic for addition and agreement, simply translating 'also' or 'too' word-for-word can lead to sentences that sound unnatural or are grammatically incorrect. Let's look at the most common errors so you can avoid them from the start.

Mistake 1: Usage in Negative Sentences

This is the 'Big One'. In English, we use 'either' for negative agreement (e.g., 'I don't like it either'). Many learners try to use 'επίσης' here: 'Δεν μου αρέσει επίσης' (Incorrect). In Greek, for negative agreement, you must use ούτε. The correct way to say 'I don't like it either' is 'Ούτε εμένα μου αρέσει' or simply 'Ούτε κι εγώ'.

Another common mistake involves the placement of the word. While Greek is flexible, putting 'επίσης' at the very beginning of a short sentence without a comma or a conjunction can sound a bit jarring. For example, 'Επίσης θέλω νερό' (Also I want water) is understandable, but 'Θέλω επίσης νερό' or 'Και επίσης θέλω νερό' sounds much more natural. The word likes to have a bit of 'support' from either the verb or the conjunction 'και'. Beginners often treat it like the English 'Also,' starting every sentence with it, which makes their speech sound robotic. Try to vary its position to sound more like a native speaker.

Confusion with 'ακόμα' (akóma) is another frequent issue. While both can be translated as 'also' or 'as well', 'ακόμα' often carries the meaning of 'still' or 'even more'. If you say 'Θέλω ακόμα ένα,' it usually means 'I want one more' (an additional one of the same thing). If you say 'Θέλω επίσης ένα,' it usually means 'I want that too' (a different item in addition to what I already have). The distinction is subtle but important. 'Επίσης' is for adding a new category or item to a list, while 'ακόμα' often implies a continuation or an increase in quantity. Using them interchangeably can lead to confusion about exactly what you are asking for.

Learners also sometimes forget that 'επίσης' is an adverb and try to use it like an adjective. You cannot say 'the also man' or 'the also house'. It must always modify a verb or a whole clause. If you want to say 'another' or 'the same', you need to use adjectives like 'άλλος' or 'ίδιος'. For example, don't say 'Θέλω το επίσης βιβλίο' (I want the also book). Say 'Θέλω και αυτό το βιβλίο' (I want this book too) or 'Θέλω το ίδιο βιβλίο' (I want the same book). Understanding that 'επίσης' is a connector of ideas rather than a describer of objects will help you use it correctly.

The 'Me Too' Trap

When someone says 'I am tired,' an English speaker wants to say 'Me too'. In Greek, just saying 'Επίσης' is okay, but it's much better to say 'Κι εγώ' (And I). 'Επίσης' is more for wishing things back to people. If you use it for personal states, it can sometimes sound slightly formal or distant. 'Κι εγώ' is warmer and more common for shared feelings.

Finally, watch out for over-formalizing your speech. Because 'επίσης' is taught early on, students tend to cling to it. In very casual Greek, people often just use 'και' (and) or 'κι' to do the job. Instead of 'Είναι έξυπνος και επίσης είναι όμορφος,' a native might just say 'Είναι έξυπνος και όμορφος.' Adding 'επίσης' adds a level of emphasis that isn't always necessary. Use it when you want to clearly mark the addition, but don't feel like you have to use it every time you add an adjective or a noun to a sentence. Keeping your sentences lean will make you sound more like a native speaker and less like a textbook.

While επίσης is the most common way to say 'also' or 'too', the Greek language offers a rich palette of alternatives that can help you express addition with more precision, varied tone, or specific emphasis. Choosing the right word depends on the context—whether you are writing a formal essay, chatting with a friend, or giving a professional presentation. Let's compare 'επίσης' with its closest relatives.

Ακόμη (Akómi) / Ακόμα (Akóma)

This is the most frequent alternative. While it primarily means 'still' or 'yet', it is very often used to mean 'also' or 'even'. It feels slightly more informal and dynamic than 'επίσης'. For example: 'Έχουμε πολλά προβλήματα, και ακόμα δεν έχουμε λύση.' (We have many problems, and we still don't have a solution / and furthermore we don't have a solution.) Use 'ακόμα' when you want to suggest that something is being added to an ongoing situation.

For more formal or academic writing, you will frequently encounter επιπλέον (epipléon). This literally means 'plus' or 'furthermore'. It is the perfect word for essays or business reports where you are listing points in an argument. 'Επιπλέον, πρέπει να λάβουμε υπόψη το κόστος.' (Furthermore, we must take the cost into account.) It sounds more authoritative than 'επίσης'. If 'επίσης' is a friendly addition, 'επιπλέον' is a structured, logical addition. Another formal cousin is επιπροσθέτως (epiprosthétos), which is even more high-level and is used almost exclusively in writing or very formal speeches.

In casual, everyday speech, Greeks often use the phrase συν τοις άλλοις (sin tis állis), which means 'among other things' or 'besides'. It’s a great way to add a piece of information that might not be the main point but is still relevant. For example: 'Ήταν κουρασμένος και, συν τοις άλλοις, είχε πονοκέφαλο.' (He was tired and, besides that, he had a headache.) It adds a bit of flavor to your Greek and makes you sound more like a native speaker who knows their idiomatic expressions. It’s slightly more sophisticated than a simple 'επίσης' but still very common in conversation.

Another interesting alternative is the use of παράλληλα (parállila), which means 'at the same time' or 'in parallel'. This is used when two things are happening simultaneously or are being considered together. 'Εργάζεται ως δάσκαλος και, παράλληλα, σπουδάζει μουσική.' (He works as a teacher and, at the same time, studies music.) While 'επίσης' just adds the two facts together, 'παράλληλα' emphasizes the temporal or logical connection between them. It’s a very useful word for describing a busy lifestyle or multi-faceted projects.

The 'And Also' Construction

Often, you don't need a special word at all. The simple conjunction και (and) or κι is frequently enough. If you want to say 'Me too,' the most natural Greek is 'Κι εγώ.' If you want to say 'He came too,' you say 'Ήρθε κι αυτός.' This is often more natural than trying to force 'επίσης' into the sentence.

Lastly, consider εξίσου (exísou), which means 'equally'. This is used when you want to emphasize that the addition is of the same importance or degree. 'Είναι έξυπνος, αλλά είναι εξίσου εργατικός.' (He is smart, but he is equally hardworking.) This is a more precise way of saying 'also' when the focus is on the level or intensity of a quality. By expanding your vocabulary with these alternatives, you can move away from the basic 'επίσης' and start expressing yourself with the nuance and variety that characterizes a truly fluent Greek speaker.