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A2 noun 12分で読める

ξάδελφος

cousin

At the A1 beginner level, learning the word ξάδελφος is essential because family is one of the very first topics introduced in any language course. At this stage, your primary goal is to be able to identify basic family members and construct simple sentences. You will learn that ξάδελφος translates to a male cousin. You will practice using it with basic possessive pronouns, such as 'ο ξάδελφός μου' (my cousin) and 'ο ξάδελφός σου' (your cousin). You will also learn to pair it with simple verbs like 'είναι' (is) or 'έχει' (has). For example, you might learn to say 'Ο ξάδελφός μου είναι ψηλός' (My cousin is tall) or 'Ο ξάδελφός μου έχει ένα σκύλο' (My cousin has a dog). At this level, you do not need to worry heavily about complex grammatical cases, but you should recognize the basic nominative form. The focus is on rote memorization of the vocabulary word and understanding its direct English equivalent. You will likely encounter this word in textbook exercises that ask you to draw and label a family tree, introducing you to the fundamental structure of Greek kinship terminology. This foundational knowledge is crucial for building conversational confidence.
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At the A2 elementary level, your understanding of the word ξάδελφος expands significantly as you begin to navigate the different grammatical cases and plural forms. You will learn to move beyond simple 'is/has' sentences and start using the word as a direct object in the accusative case. This means you will practice dropping the final sigma and changing the article, forming sentences like 'Βλέπω τον ξάδελφό μου' (I see my cousin) or 'Περιμένω τον ξάδελφό μου' (I am waiting for my cousin). Additionally, you will be introduced to the crucial concept of gendered nouns, learning the feminine equivalent 'η ξαδέλφη' (the female cousin) and the collective neuter plural 'τα ξαδέλφια' (the cousins). This is a vital step in sounding more natural, as Greeks frequently refer to their cousins as a collective group. You will also start using the word in simple past and future tenses, allowing you to narrate basic stories about your family, such as 'Χθες πήγα σινεμά με τον ξάδελφό μου' (Yesterday I went to the cinema with my cousin). The focus at this level is on grammatical accuracy in everyday, practical contexts.
At the B1 intermediate level, the word ξάδελφος becomes a tool for more complex storytelling and expressing nuanced relationships. You will begin to explore the genitive case to indicate possession, mastering the accent shift required to say 'το σπίτι του ξαδέλφου μου' (my cousin's house). This level requires a solid grasp of how the noun changes across all cases. Furthermore, you will delve into the cultural significance of the extended family in Greece. You will learn vocabulary related to family gatherings, holidays, and traditions, where cousins play a central role. You might be asked to write short essays or participate in discussions about your childhood memories with your extended family, using phrases like 'Όταν ήμουν μικρός, έπαιζα με τα ξαδέλφια μου στο χωριό' (When I was little, I used to play with my cousins in the village). You will also become comfortable with the colloquial variant 'ξάδερφος' and understand when it is appropriate to use it versus the formal spelling. At this stage, the word is fully integrated into your active vocabulary for descriptive and narrative purposes.
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At the B2 upper-intermediate level, your use of the word ξάδελφος reaches a high degree of fluency and cultural awareness. You are now expected to discuss complex family dynamics, generational differences, and the evolving role of the extended family in modern Greek society. You will be able to articulate the difference between 'πρώτος ξάδελφος' (first cousin) and 'δεύτερος ξάδελφος' (second cousin), and use the word in sophisticated sentences involving conditional clauses and complex syntax. For example, 'Αν ο ξάδελφός μου είχε έρθει νωρίτερα, θα προλαβαίναμε το τρένο' (If my cousin had arrived earlier, we would have caught the train). You will also encounter the word in authentic Greek media, such as news articles discussing inheritance laws or literary texts exploring familial relationships. Your understanding of the double accent rule ('ο ξάδελφός μου') should be flawless at this point, both in writing and speaking. You will be able to engage in debates about whether the traditional tight-knit Greek family structure, heavily reliant on the support of cousins and relatives, is changing in urban environments.
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At the C1 advanced level, you possess a near-native command of the word ξάδελφος and its derivatives. You understand the etymological roots of the word, recognizing its connection to 'αδελφός' (brother) and the prefix 'εξ' (from). You can seamlessly navigate highly formal and bureaucratic contexts, using the strictly formal declensions in written Greek, such as legal documents, academic papers, or formal correspondence. You are fully aware of the idiomatic and metaphorical uses of the word, understanding when 'ξάδελφος' is used ironically, affectionately, or politically to denote nepotism or close alliances. You can analyze literature where the relationship between cousins serves as a central thematic element, discussing the psychological and sociological implications of these bonds within the Greek cultural framework. Your vocabulary includes abstract nouns derived from the root, and you can debate complex sociological topics, such as the impact of the Greek diaspora on extended family ties, using precise and sophisticated terminology. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a lens through which you analyze Greek culture.
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At the C2 mastery level, your understanding of ξάδελφος is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You possess a profound appreciation for the historical evolution of the word and its usage across different dialects and historical periods of the Greek language. You can effortlessly switch between the most formal Katharevousa-influenced structures and the most colloquial, regional slang. You understand subtle literary references, poetry, and historical texts where the concept of the extended family and the role of the cousin are pivotal. You are capable of writing compelling, nuanced essays on the anthropological significance of kinship in Mediterranean societies, using 'ξάδελφος' as a foundational concept. You recognize how the term interacts with complex idiomatic expressions and can invent your own stylistically appropriate metaphors based on the cultural weight of the word. At this ultimate level of proficiency, your linguistic precision is matched only by your deep cultural empathy and comprehensive understanding of the Greek familial ethos.
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例文
The Greek word ξάδελφος is a fundamental vocabulary item for anyone learning the language, as it translates directly to the English word cousin, specifically referring to a male cousin. In Greek culture, the extended family plays a profoundly significant role in daily life, social interactions, and personal identity, making this word an essential part of everyday conversation. When you use the word ξάδελφος, you are not merely identifying a biological relative; you are often referring to someone who holds a position similar to that of a sibling, a close confidant, or a lifelong friend. The concept of the extended family in Greece is deeply rooted in tradition, where cousins often grow up together, spend summers at the family village or island, and celebrate major life events like name days, weddings, and baptisms side by side.
Literal Meaning
The literal translation of the word is male cousin, derived from ancient roots meaning from a brother, highlighting the patrilineal focus of historical family structures.

Ο αγαπημένος μου ξάδελφος ζει στην Αθήνα.

Understanding the nuances of this word requires recognizing its variations. While ξάδελφος is the formal and standard spelling, you will very frequently hear and see the colloquial variation ξάδερφος. Both are completely acceptable, but the former is preferred in formal writing, literature, and official documents.
Feminine Form
When referring to a female cousin, the word changes to ξαδέλφη or the colloquial ξαδέρφη, demonstrating the gendered nature of Greek nouns.

Αυτός είναι ο πρώτος μου ξάδελφος από την πλευρά της μητέρας μου.

The emotional weight of the word cannot be overstated. In many Western cultures, cousins might only see each other during major holidays or family reunions. In Greece, however, it is entirely common for cousins to be integrated into one's daily social circle. They might attend the same schools, frequent the same cafes, or even work in family-owned businesses together.
Degrees of Kinship
Greeks distinguish between first cousins (πρώτα ξαδέλφια) and second cousins (δεύτερα ξαδέλφια), though both are treated with immense familial warmth and hospitality.

Ο ξάδελφος του πατέρα μου είναι σαν θείος για μένα.

Furthermore, the term is sometimes used affectionately among very close friends who are not biologically related, functioning as a term of endearment that signifies a bond as strong as blood. This metaphorical use highlights how the concept of family extends beyond strict genealogical lines in Greek society.

Έλα ρε ξάδελφε, τι κάνεις;

As you continue to learn Greek, mastering the use of ξάδελφος will not only improve your vocabulary but also give you a profound insight into the social fabric of Greece, where family remains the cornerstone of community and personal life.

Κάθε καλοκαίρι, ο ξάδελφος μου έρχεται στο νησί.

The word is a gateway to understanding the collective mindset of the Greek people, where individualism is often balanced with a strong sense of belonging to a larger familial network. Whether you are reading a modern Greek novel, watching a popular television series, or simply chatting with locals in a traditional taverna, you will encounter this word frequently, accompanied by stories of shared childhoods, family gatherings, and unbreakable bonds.
Using the word ξάδελφος correctly in sentences requires a solid understanding of Greek noun declensions, gender agreement, and the placement of stress accents. As a masculine noun ending in -ος, it follows one of the most common and predictable declension patterns in the Greek language. However, there are specific grammatical rules and nuances that English speakers must master to sound natural and fluent.
Nominative Case
In the nominative case, which is used when the cousin is the subject of the sentence, the form is ο ξάδελφος. The definite article ο must always precede the noun unless it is used in a general or abstract sense.

Ο ξάδελφος μου διαβάζει ένα βιβλίο.

When the cousin becomes the object of the verb, you must use the accusative case. In this case, the final sigma (-ς) is dropped, and the article changes to τον. This is a crucial distinction that often trips up beginners, as English does not change the form of the noun based on its grammatical role in the sentence.
Accusative Case
The accusative form τον ξάδελφο is used for direct objects, such as when you are visiting, calling, or seeing your cousin.

Είδα τον ξάδελφο σου στο σούπερ μάρκετ.

This double accent rule is a fascinating feature of Greek phonology. Because the word ξάδελφος is stressed on the antepenultimate (third-to-last) syllable, adding an enclitic pronoun like μου shifts the phonetic balance. To correct this, you write and pronounce it as ο ξάδελφός μου. Failing to add this second accent is a very common writing mistake among learners, though it does not usually impede spoken comprehension.

Αυτός είναι ο ξάδελφός μου, ο Γιώργος.

Another critical grammatical aspect is the genitive case, which is used to show possession or relationship. The genitive form is του ξαδέλφου. Notice how the stress accent moves one syllable to the right, from the antepenultimate (ξά-) to the penultimate (-δέλ-). This accent shift is mandatory in the genitive singular and plural for proparoxytone nouns (nouns stressed on the third-to-last syllable).
Genitive Accent Shift
Always remember to shift the accent to the epsilon when writing or speaking the genitive form: του ξαδέλφου (of the cousin).

Το αυτοκίνητο του ξαδέλφου μου είναι καινούργιο.

Finally, when addressing your cousin directly, you must use the vocative case, dropping the article and changing the final -ος to -ε. This creates the form ξάδελφε. You will hear this constantly in Greece, often preceded by the informal exclamation 'ρε', resulting in the highly colloquial 'ρε ξάδελφε!' (hey cousin!). Mastering these variations will significantly elevate your conversational Greek and allow you to interact with native speakers with much greater confidence and cultural accuracy.

Τι νέα, ξάδελφε;

The word ξάδελφος is omnipresent in Greek daily life, echoing through the streets, cafes, homes, and digital spaces of Greece and Cyprus. Because the family unit is so central to the Mediterranean lifestyle, discussions about relatives are a standard part of social interaction. You are highly likely to hear this word during traditional family gatherings, which are frequent and often large-scale events. For instance, during the Easter holidays, which is the most significant religious and cultural celebration in Greece, extended families gather in their ancestral villages to roast lamb on a spit. It is here that you will hear people calling out to their cousins, sharing stories, and catching up on life.
Village Life (Το Χωριό)
In the context of the Greek village, cousins are essentially an extension of the immediate family, often living in neighboring houses or sharing inherited land.

Πήγαμε στο χωριό και είδαμε κάθε ξάδελφο που έχουμε.

Weddings and baptisms are another primary setting where the word is heavily used. Greek weddings are notoriously large affairs, often inviting hundreds of guests, a significant portion of whom are extended family members. When introducing guests to one another, you will frequently hear phrases identifying the exact relationship, such as 'This is my first cousin from my father's side.'
Introductions
Greeks place great importance on establishing lineage and connection during introductions, making the word cousin a vital social tool.

Να σου γνωρίσω τον ξάδελφό μου από τη Θεσσαλονίκη.

Beyond physical gatherings, you will encounter the word extensively in modern media. Greek television series, particularly comedies and soap operas (known as καθημερινές σειρές), frequently revolve around complex family dramas where cousins are central characters involved in inheritance disputes, romantic entanglements, or comedic misunderstandings. The dynamic between cousins is a classic trope in Greek storytelling, representing both intense loyalty and bitter rivalry.
Social Media
On platforms like Instagram and Facebook, young Greeks frequently post photos with their cousins, using captions that celebrate their lifelong bond.

Βόλτα με τον καλύτερο ξάδελφο του κόσμου!

In legal and bureaucratic contexts, the formal spelling ξάδελφος is strictly adhered to. When dealing with inheritance laws, property deeds, or public services, establishing the exact degree of kinship is legally binding. Therefore, knowing the formal terminology is essential for anyone navigating official matters in Greece.

Ο νόμιμος κληρονόμος είναι ο πρώτος ξάδελφος.

Whether you are an expatriate living in Athens, a tourist exploring the islands, or a student of the language, tuning your ear to catch the word ξάδελφος will reveal the invisible threads of kinship that hold Greek society together. It is a word that signifies warmth, history, and an unbreakable social contract.

Ο ξάδελφος μου έχει ταβέρνα στο νησί.

When English speakers learn the Greek word ξάδελφος, they frequently encounter several specific grammatical and cultural stumbling blocks. Because the English word cousin is gender-neutral and does not change form based on its position in a sentence, the highly inflected nature of Greek nouns can cause considerable confusion. One of the most prevalent mistakes is failing to distinguish between the masculine and feminine forms. In English, you simply say my cousin whether you are referring to John or Maria. In Greek, you must specify the gender.
Gender Confusion
Using the masculine ξάδελφος when referring to a female cousin is a glaring error. You must use the feminine form ξαδέλφη (or ξαδέρφη).

Λάθος: Η Μαρία είναι ο ξάδελφος μου.

Another major area of difficulty involves the plural forms, specifically when referring to a mixed-gender group of cousins. In many languages, the masculine plural is used as the default for mixed groups. While Greek generally follows this rule, the word for cousins is a notable exception. Instead of using the masculine plural (οι ξάδελφοι), Greeks overwhelmingly prefer the neuter plural noun τα ξαδέλφια (the cousins) when talking about a group that includes both males and females, or even just as a general collective term.
Mixed Plurals
Always use the neuter plural τα ξαδέλφια for mixed groups. Using οι ξάδελφοι implies the group consists exclusively of men.

Τα ξαδέλφια μου ήρθαν για επίσκεψη.

The double accent rule is perhaps the most frequent writing mistake made by intermediate learners. As discussed earlier, when a possessive pronoun like μου (my) is attached to a proparoxytone noun (a noun stressed on the third-to-last syllable), a second accent must be added to the final syllable to prevent the pronunciation from becoming awkward. Therefore, writing ο ξάδελφος μου without the second accent on the omicron is orthographically incorrect, even if native speakers might occasionally make the same typo in informal texting.
Double Accent Rule
Never forget the second accent: ο ξάδελφός μου. This ensures the correct rhythmic pronunciation of the phrase.

Ο ξάδελφός μου είναι γιατρός.

Finally, learners often struggle with the choice between the formal spelling (ξάδελφος) and the colloquial spelling (ξάδερφος). While both are understood perfectly, using the colloquial form in a highly formal written context, such as a legal document or an academic essay, is considered a stylistic error. Conversely, insisting on the formal pronunciation in a casual setting might sound slightly stiff, though it is never considered wrong.

Πρέπει να στείλω ένα email στον ξάδελφο μου.

By being mindful of these common pitfalls—gender matching, appropriate pluralization, accent shifts, and context-appropriate spelling—you can elevate your Greek from beginner level to a much more natural and proficient standard.

Κάλεσα τον ξάδελφό μου στο τηλέφωνο.

Expanding your vocabulary beyond a single translation is crucial for achieving fluency and understanding the rich tapestry of the Greek language. While ξάδελφος is the precise translation for a male cousin, there are several related terms, synonyms, and alternatives that you will encounter frequently in conversations about family and relationships. Understanding these nuances will allow you to express yourself more accurately and comprehend the subtle social dynamics at play in Greek society. The most immediate alternative is the colloquial variant ξάδερφος. This is not a different word, but rather a phonetic evolution that is extremely common in everyday speech.
Συγγενής (Relative)
If you want to refer to a family member without specifying the exact relationship, you can use the word συγγενής (relative). It is a broader term that encompasses cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents.

Έχω πολλούς συγγενείς, αλλά αυτός είναι ο αγαπημένος μου ξάδελφος.

Another highly relevant term is σόι, which refers to the extended family or clan. When Greeks talk about their σόι, they are referring to the entire network of relatives, often encompassing dozens of people, primarily heavily populated by cousins. It is a word that carries a lot of cultural weight, representing one's roots, heritage, and support system.
Το Σόι (The Extended Family)
This informal term is used to describe the entire extended family network, highlighting the collective identity over individual relationships.

Όλο το σόι μαζεύτηκε, μαζί και ο ξάδελφος μου.

In slang and highly informal contexts among young people, you might hear the word κολλητός (best friend) used in situations where someone acts like a cousin or brother. The boundaries between close friends and extended family can blur in Greek culture, and terms of endearment are often shared across these categories. Furthermore, when specifically discussing family trees or legal matters, you might need to use compound phrases to denote the exact degree of the cousin relationship.
Degrees of Cousins
You can specify πρώτος ξάδελφος (first cousin) or δεύτερος ξάδελφος (second cousin) when exact clarity is required.

Αυτός δεν είναι πρώτος, είναι δεύτερος ξάδελφος.

By familiarizing yourself with these related terms and alternatives, you will be much better equipped to navigate the complex and warmly interconnected world of Greek social relationships. You will understand not just the literal meaning of the words, but the deep cultural significance they hold for the people who use them every day.

Ο ξάδελφος μου και ο αδελφός μου είναι φίλοι.

Κάθε ξάδελφος είναι σημαντικός στην οικογένεια.

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レベル別の例文

1

Αυτός είναι ο ξάδελφός μου.

This is my cousin.

Nominative case, basic identification.

2

Ο ξάδελφός μου είναι ψηλός.

My cousin is tall.

Adjective agreement in the nominative masculine.

3

Έχω έναν ξάδελφο.

I have a cousin.

Accusative case used as the direct object of the verb έχω.

4

Ο ξάδελφός μου μένει εδώ.

My cousin lives here.

Third person singular verb agreement.

5

Το όνομά του είναι Νίκος, είναι ο ξάδελφός μου.

His name is Nikos, he is my cousin.

Simple descriptive sentence.

6

Ο ξάδελφός μου και εγώ.

My cousin and I.

Basic conjunction usage.

7

Είναι καλός ξάδελφος.

He is a good cousin.

Adjective preceding the noun.

8

Πού είναι ο ξάδελφός σου;

Where is your cousin?

Question formulation with interrogative pronoun.

1

Χθες είδα τον ξάδελφό μου στο πάρκο.

Yesterday I saw my cousin at the park.

Accusative case in the simple past tense.

2

Τα ξαδέλφια μου παίζουν ποδόσφαιρο.

My cousins are playing football.

Use of the neuter plural for a group of cousins.

3

Θα πάμε σινεμά με τον ξάδελφό μου αύριο.

We will go to the cinema with my cousin tomorrow.

Future tense with preposition 'με' taking the accusative.

4

Ο ξάδελφός μου είναι μεγαλύτερος από μένα.

My cousin is older than me.

Comparative degree of adjectives.

5

Δεν ξέρω πού μένει ο ξάδελφός σου.

I don't know where your cousin lives.

Negative sentence structure.

6

Αυτό το βιβλίο είναι του ξαδέλφου μου.

This book belongs to my cousin.

Genitive case indicating possession.

7

Η Μαρία και ο Γιώργος είναι τα ξαδέλφια μου.

Maria and George are my cousins.

Mixed gender group requires the neuter plural noun.

8

Πρέπει να τηλεφωνήσω στον ξάδελφό μου.

I have to call my cousin.

Modal verb 'πρέπει' followed by subjunctive.

1

Όταν ήμουν μικρός, πήγαινα διακοπές με τον ξάδελφό μου.

When I was little, I used to go on vacation with my cousin.

Imperfect tense for habitual past actions.

2

Ο ξάδελφός μου, ο οποίος ζει στην Αγγλία, θα έρθει για τα Χριστούγεννα.

My cousin, who lives in England, will come for Christmas.

Relative clause using 'ο οποίος'.

3

Συζητούσαμε με τα ξαδέλφια μου για το μέλλον.

We were discussing the future with my cousins.

Continuous past action with a plural prepositional object.

4

Το αυτοκίνητο του ξαδέλφου μου χάλασε στο δρόμο.

My cousin's car broke down on the road.

Genitive case with accent shift (του ξαδέλφου).

5

Αν και είναι ξάδελφός μου, δεν τον βλέπω συχνά.

Even though he is my cousin, I don't see him often.

Concessive clause using 'αν και'.

6

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