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A2 noun 8 min read

βάρος

Examples Notes & Tips βάρος in 30 Seconds
Explanation βάρος in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'βάρος' (weight) is taught as a basic noun related to shopping and physical objects. Students learn that it is a neuter noun ('το βάρος'). You will use it when you go to the supermarket and see labels like 'καθαρό βάρος' (net weight) on a box of cookies or a bag of rice. It is one of the first words you learn when discussing health and the body, often used with the verb 'έχω' (to have). For example, 'Έχω κανονικό βάρος' (I have normal weight). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex grammar; just remember that it describes how heavy something is. You might also hear it in the context of travel, such as 'το βάρος της βαλίτσας' (the weight of the suitcase) at the airport. It's a concrete, physical word for A1 learners.
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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'βάρος' in more dynamic ways, particularly with verbs like 'χάνω' (to lose) and 'παίρνω' (to gain). You might talk about your fitness goals: 'Θέλω να χάσω βάρος' (I want to lose weight). You also learn the plural form 'τα βάρη' (the weights) in the context of the gym. 'Κάνω βάρη' is a common phrase for weightlifting. You start to see the word in simple compound forms and common phrases. You also learn to distinguish it from the adjective 'βαρύς' (heavy). While 'βαρύς' describes the object, 'βάρος' is the noun for the measurement. You might encounter it in weather reports or simple science contexts, but primarily it remains focused on daily life, shopping, and personal health.
At the B1 level, 'βάρος' transitions from purely physical to metaphorical. You start to use it to describe emotional states and responsibilities. For example, 'το βάρος της ευθύνης' (the weight of responsibility) or 'ένα βάρος στο στήθος' (a weight on the chest) to describe anxiety or sadness. You understand that 'βάρος' can mean a 'burden'. Grammatically, you should be comfortable with the genitive singular 'του βάρους' and the plural 'τα βάρη'. You also learn more specific collocations like 'ειδικό βάρος' (specific gravity/significance). You can use the word to describe the importance of a topic in a discussion: 'Δίνουμε βάρος στην εκπαίδευση' (We give weight/emphasis to education). This level requires you to understand the word in more abstract social and professional contexts.
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At the B2 level, you use 'βάρος' in complex arguments and formal writing. You understand its role in physics and technical fields (mass vs. weight). You are familiar with idiomatic expressions like 'υπό το βάρος των περιστάσεων' (under the weight of circumstances). You can discuss public policy, such as 'το φορολογικό βάρος' (the tax burden) or 'το περιβαλλοντικό βάρος' (the environmental burden). Your vocabulary includes synonyms like 'φορτίο' and you know when to use each. You can also use the word to describe the 'gravitas' of a historical event or a person's influence. You are expected to use the word accurately in all cases and numbers, and to understand its nuances in journalistic and academic texts.
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At the C1 level, 'βάρος' is a tool for nuanced expression. You use it to describe the subtle 'weighting' of different factors in a complex decision-making process. You understand literary uses and can appreciate the difference between 'βάρος' and the more archaic 'άχθος'. You can use phrases like 'ρίχνω το βάρος μου σε κάτι' to mean dedicating all your resources and influence to a cause. You recognize the word in legal contexts ('το βάρος της απόδειξης' - the burden of proof) and philosophical inquiries into the 'weight of existence'. Your use of the word is sophisticated, moving effortlessly between its physical, metaphorical, and technical meanings. You can also use it to describe the 'density' of a text or the 'depth' of a performance.
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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'βάρος' and all its derivatives. You can use it in highly specialized fields, from advanced physics to metaphysical philosophy. You understand the historical evolution of the word from Ancient Greek and its cognates in other languages (like 'barometer'). You can use the word to discuss the 'ontological weight' of a concept or the 'structural weight' in architecture. In rhetoric, you use 'βάρος' to analyze the impact of a speech. You are comfortable with all idiomatic, slang, and archaic variations. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a versatile concept that you can manipulate to convey precise, high-level meaning in any context, whether it's a scientific paper, a legal brief, or a poetic masterpiece.
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Examples Notes & Tips

βάρος in 30 Seconds

  • Βάρος means 'weight' in both physical and metaphorical senses.
  • It is a neuter noun: το βάρος, του βάρους, τα βάρη.
  • Commonly used in health (losing/gaining weight) and sports (lifting weights).
  • Used figuratively to describe responsibility, importance, or emotional burdens.
The Greek word βάρος (pronounced 'VÁ-ros') is a foundational neuter noun in the Greek language, primarily translating to 'weight' in English. At its most basic level, it refers to the physical heaviness of an object or person, measured in grams, kilograms, or tons. However, its utility extends far beyond the scale. In a physical sense, you will encounter this word daily when shopping for groceries, discussing fitness, or dealing with logistics. For instance, when you go to a 'laiki' (street market), the vendor might ask about the weight of the vegetables you desire. In the context of health, doctors and nutritionists constantly monitor a patient's βάρος to ensure well-being.
Physical Measurement
Refers to the gravitational pull on an object. Example: 'Το βάρος αυτής της πέτρας είναι δέκα κιλά' (The weight of this stone is ten kilograms).
Beyond physics, βάρος carries significant metaphorical and psychological connotations. It represents the 'burden' of responsibility, the 'gravity' of a situation, or the 'importance' of an argument. When a person feels overwhelmed by life, they might say they carry a great βάρος on their shoulders. This dual nature—tangible and intangible—makes it one of the most versatile words in the Greek lexicon.

Νιώθω ένα μεγάλο βάρος στην καρδιά μου μετά από αυτό το νέο.

Culturally, Greeks often associate weight with quality and seriousness. A 'heavy' person (βαρύς άνθρωπος) is someone serious, while the 'weight' of one's name refers to their reputation. In academic and professional settings, 'βάρος' is used to discuss the 'weighting' of grades or the 'emphasis' placed on specific project components.
Metaphorical Burden
Refers to emotional or social pressure. Example: 'Το βάρος της ευθύνης είναι δικό του' (The burden of responsibility is his).

Πρέπει να προσέχεις το σωματικό σου βάρος για την υγεία σου.

In summary, whether you are at the gym lifting 'weights' (βάρη), at the doctor's office checking your 'weight', or in a meeting discussing the 'weight' of a decision, this word is indispensable. Its usage spans from the most mundane physical tasks to the deepest philosophical reflections on human existence and duty.
Using βάρος correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical behavior as a neuter noun ending in -ος. Unlike masculine nouns in -ος (like 'δρόμος'), neuter nouns like βάρος follow a specific declension pattern where the genitive singular ends in -ους and the nominative plural ends in -η. This is a common point of confusion for learners. When you want to say 'the weight of the box', you say 'το βάρος του κουτιού'. If you are referring to multiple weights in a gym, you use the plural 'τα βάρη'.
Grammatical Case: Nominative
Το βάρος είναι υπερβολικό. (The weight is excessive.)
Verbs play a crucial role in how we use this word. The most frequent verbs paired with βάρος are 'έχω' (to have), 'χάνω' (to lose), 'παίρνω' (to gain/put on), and 'σηκώνω' (to lift). For example, 'Έχασα βάρος το καλοκαίρι' (I lost weight in the summer). In more formal or abstract contexts, you might use 'ρίχνω το βάρος' (to place the weight/emphasis).

Η εταιρεία έριξε όλο το βάρος στην προώθηση του νέου προϊόντος.

Adjectives often modify this noun to specify the type of weight. Common modifiers include 'σωματικό' (body), 'περιττό' (excess), 'ασήκωτο' (unbearable/unliftable), and 'ειδικό' (specific). 'Το ειδικό βάρος' is a technical term for 'specific gravity' but is often used metaphorically to mean the 'true significance' or 'influence' of a person in a specific field.
Genitive Case
Η μέτρηση του βάρους έγινε το πρωί. (The measurement of the weight was done in the morning.)

Δεν μπορώ να σηκώσω τόσο μεγάλο βάρος μόνος μου.

When constructing sentences, pay attention to the preposition 'με' (with). 'Με το βάρος της ηλικίας' means 'with the weight of age'. Also, the preposition 'υπό' (under) is used in formal settings: 'υπό το βάρος των αποδείξεων' (under the weight of the evidence). Mastering these combinations allows you to transition from simple A2-level sentences to complex C1-level discourse. Always remember that while 'βαρύς' is the adjective (heavy), 'βάρος' is the thing itself. Do not confuse 'Είναι βάρος' (It is a weight/burden) with 'Είναι βαρύ' (It is heavy).
In the daily life of a Greek speaker, βάρος echoes through various environments, each providing a different nuance. If you visit a Greek pharmacy, you will almost certainly see a scale (ζυγαριά) and hear people discussing their βάρος in relation to health or dieting. In gyms across Athens or Thessaloniki, the clanging of metal is accompanied by the phrase 'κάνω βάρη' (I am doing weights/lifting weights). Here, the plural form 'βάρη' is the standard way to refer to weight training.
At the Gym
'Πόσα βάρη σηκώνεις στον πάγκο;' (How much weight do you bench press?)
On the news or in political talk shows, you will hear commentators discuss the 'political weight' (πολιτικό βάρος) of a candidate or a country. This refers to their influence and power. In a courtroom drama or a crime report, a journalist might mention that a suspect 'collapsed under the weight of guilt' (λύγισε υπό το βάρος των τύψεων). This metaphorical use is extremely common in literature and high-level journalism.

Η Ελλάδα έχει μεγάλο ιστορικό βάρος στην παγκόσμια κληρονομιά.

In shipping and commerce, especially in a maritime nation like Greece, βάρος is a technical necessity. You will hear it in ports (λιμάνια) when discussing cargo (φορτίο) and the displacement of ships. 'Μικτό βάρος' (gross weight) and 'καθαρό βάρος' (net weight) are terms you will see on every packaged product in a Greek supermarket.
Commercial Labels
'Καθαρό βάρος: 500γρ' (Net weight: 500g). Found on pasta boxes, feta containers, etc.

Το βάρος της απόδειξης πέφτει στον κατηγορούμενο.

Finally, in family settings, you might hear a grandmother tell a child, 'Μην σηκώνεις μεγάλο βάρος, θα πονέσει η μέση σου' (Don't lift heavy weight, your back will hurt). It is a word that bridges the gap between the scientific, the commercial, the athletic, and the deeply personal emotional experience of living.
One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when learning Greek is confusing the noun βάρος (weight) with the adjective βαρύς (heavy). In English, 'weight' and 'heavy' are clearly different parts of speech, but because they share the same root in Greek, students often swap them. For example, saying 'Το κουτί είναι βάρος' (The box is weight) instead of 'Το κουτί είναι βαρύ' (The box is heavy). Remember: use the noun when talking about the measurement or the burden itself, and the adjective when describing an object.
Noun vs. Adjective
Mistake: 'Είναι πολύ βάρος' (It is very weight). Correct: 'Είναι πολύ βαρύ' (It is very heavy) OR 'Έχει πολύ βάρος' (It has much weight).
Another common pitfall is the declension. As a neuter noun in -ος, βάρος is often mistaken for a masculine noun. Learners might try to use the masculine genitive 'του βάρου' instead of the correct 'του βάρους'. This '-ους' ending is characteristic of a specific group of neuter nouns (like 'λάθος', 'μέγεθος', 'μέρος').

Incorrect: Το χρώμα του βάρου. Correct: Το χρώμα του βάρους.

Confusion also arises with the plural. The plural of βάρος is 'τα βάρη'. Some learners mistakenly say 'τα βάρος' or 'τα βάροι'. In the context of the gym, if you say 'κάνω βάρος', it sounds like you are doing a single measurement. You must say 'κάνω βάρη' to mean you are weight-lifting.
Plural Errors
Incorrect: 'Πήρα τα βάρος'. Correct: 'Πήρα τα βάρη'. (I took the weights).
Lastly, prepositional usage can be tricky. In English, we say 'on my shoulders'. In Greek, you can say 'στους ώμους μου', but when talking about the abstract weight of responsibility, the phrase 'το βάρος πέφτει πάνω μου' (the weight falls on top of me) is preferred over simple translations. Avoid literal word-for-word translations of English idioms involving weight, as Greek has its own set of idiomatic expressions. For example, 'I feel weightless' is not 'νιώθω χωρίς βάρος' but usually 'νιώθω ανάλαφρος'. Use βάρος for the burden, not the absence of it.
While βάρος is the general term for weight, Greek offers several synonyms and related words that provide more precision depending on the context. One of the most common alternatives is φορτίο (fortio), which means 'load' or 'cargo'. While βάρος describes the heaviness, 'φορτίο' describes the thing being carried. You wouldn't say 'the weight of the truck' when you mean what's inside it; you'd say 'το φορτίο του φορτηγού'.
Βάρος vs. Φορτίο
'Βάρος' is the physical property (kg). 'Φορτίο' is the collection of items being transported.
In a more literary or formal context, you might encounter the word άχθος (achthos). This is an ancient Greek word still used in modern high-level Greek to mean a 'heavy burden' or 'toil', usually emotional or social. It is much more dramatic than βάρος. Another related term is μάζα (maza), which is the scientific term for 'mass'. In a physics classroom, βάρος changes with gravity, but 'μάζα' stays the same.

Το βάρος του στην ομάδα είναι μεγάλο (His importance in the team is great).

When discussing the 'weight' of an argument, you could use ισχύς (power/validity) or κύρος (prestige/authority). However, 'βάρος' is unique because it implies that the argument has a physical-like presence that can tip the scales of a decision. For example, 'Οι αποδείξεις έχουν μεγάλο βάρος' (The evidence has great weight).
Βάρος vs. Σημασία
'Σημασία' is general importance. 'Βάρος' implies a decisive or heavy influence.

Αυτό το επιχείρημα δεν έχει κανένα βάρος στο δικαστήριο.

In summary, use βάρος for general weight and importance, 'φορτίο' for physical loads, 'μάζα' for science, and 'άχθος' for poetic burdens. Understanding these distinctions will help you sound more like a native speaker and allow you to express subtle differences in meaning.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The same root gives us 'barometer' (measuring weight/pressure) and 'baritone' (a heavy/deep voice).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈva.ros/
US /ˈvɑ.roʊs/
First syllable (VÁ-ros).
Rhymes With
θάρρος (courage) κάρος (cart) πάρος (Paros island) φάρος (lighthouse) χάρος (death/grim reaper)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the 'v' as a 'b'. In Greek, 'β' is always a 'v' sound.
  • Stressing the second syllable. It must be VÁ-ros, not va-RÓS.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts, especially on labels.

Writing 4/5

The genitive 'βάρους' and plural 'βάρη' can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 3/5

Simple to pronounce, but needs practice to distinguish from the adjective 'βαρύς'.

Listening 2/5

Distinctive sound, usually clear in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

βαρύς (heavy) σώμα (body) πολύ (much/very) έχω (have) κάνω (do/make)

Learn Next

μάζα (mass) ευθύνη (responsibility) σημασία (importance) ζυγίζω (to weigh) γυμναστήριο (gym)

Advanced

άχθος (burden) κύρος (prestige) επιβάρυνση (surcharge) αντίβαρο (counterweight) βαρύτητα (gravity)

Grammar to Know

Neuter nouns in -ος follow the 3rd declension.

Το βάρος -> Του βάρους (not του βάρου).

The plural of neuter -ος nouns ends in -η.

Τα βάρη (not τα βάρος).

The genitive plural ends in -ων with the accen

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Examples by Level

1

Το βάρος της τσάντας είναι δύο κιλά.

The weight of the bag is two kilos.

'Το βάρος' is the subject, 'δύο κιλά' is the complement.

2

Πόσο βάρος έχει αυτό το κουτί;

How much weight does this box have?

Using 'έχει' (has) is a common way to ask about weight.

3

Το καθαρό βάρος είναι 500 γραμμάρια.

The net weight is 500 grams.

'Καθαρό' is the adjective modifying 'βάρος'.

4

Έχω κανονικό βάρος για το ύψος μου.

I have normal weight for my height.

'Κανονικό' means normal or standard.

5

Το βάρος του μωρού είναι τρία κιλά.

The weight of the baby is three kilos.

Genitive 'του μωρού' shows possession.

6

Αυτό το βάρος είναι πολύ μικρό.

This weight is very small.

'Μικρό' modifies 'βάρος'.

7

Ποιο είναι το βάρος σου;

What is your weight?

'Σου' is the possessive pronoun.

8

Το βάρος του ψωμιού είναι ένα κιλό.

The weight of the bread is one kilo.

'Του ψωμιού' is the genitive of 'το ψωμί'.

1

Θέλω να χάσω βάρος πριν το καλοκαίρι.

I want to lose weight before the summer.

'Χάνω βάρος' is the standard phrase for losing weight.

2

Πήρα βάρος κατά τη διάρκεια των διακοπών.

I gained weight during the holidays.

'Παίρνω βάρος' means to gain weight.

3

Πηγαίνω στο γυμναστήριο και σηκώνω βάρη.

I go to the gym and lift weights.

'Βάρη' is the plural of 'βάρος', used for gym weights.

4

Πρέπει να προσέχεις το βάρος σου.

You must watch your weight.

'Προσέχω' means to watch or take care of.

5

Το μέγιστο βάρος είναι είκοσι κιλά.

The maximum weight is twenty kilos.

'Μέγιστο' means maximum.

6

Μην σηκώνεις τόσο μεγάλο βάρος μόνος σου.

Don't lift such a large weight by yourself.

'Μόνος σου' means by yourself.

7

Το βάρος της ευθύνης είναι μεγάλο.

The weight of responsibility is great.

A simple metaphorical use of 'βάρος'.

8

Πόσα βάρη έχεις στην αποθήκη;

How many weights do you have in the storage room?

Plural 'βάρη' refers to physical objects.

1

Ένιωσα ένα βάρος να φεύγει από πάνω μου.

I felt a weight being lifted off me.

'Από πάνω μου' is an idiomatic way to say 'off me'.

2

Το ειδικό βάρος αυτού του υλικού είναι χαμηλό.

The specific gravity of this material is low.

'Ειδικό βάρος' is a technical term.

3

Δίνουμε μεγάλο βάρος στην ποιότητα των υπηρεσιών μας.

We place great weight on the quality of our services.

'Δίνω βάρος' means to emphasize.

4

Το βάρος της απόφασης έπεσε στους ώμους του.

The weight of the decision fell on his shoulders.

Metaphorical use with 'ώμους' (shoulders).

5

Υπάρχει ένα βάρος στην ατμόσφαιρα σήμερα.

There is a heaviness in the atmosphere today.

Used to describe weather or mood.

6

Το πλοίο μετέφερε βάρος χιλίων τόνων.

The ship was carrying a weight of a thousand tons.

'Μετέφερε' is the past tense of 'μεταφέρω' (carry).

7

Δεν αντέχω το ψυχολογικό βάρος αυτής της κατάστασης.

I cannot stand the psychological weight of this situation.

'Αντέχω' means to endure or withstand.

8

Το βάρος των αποδείξεων είναι εναντίον του.

The weight of the evidence is against him.

'Εναντίον' means against.

1

Η κυβέρνηση πρέπει να μειώσει το φορολογικό βάρος.

The government must reduce the tax burden.

'Φορολογικό βάρος' is a common economic term.

2

Το περιβαλλοντικό βάρος της βιομηχανίας είναι τεράστιο.

The environmental burden of the industry is huge.

'Περιβαλλοντικό' refers to the environment.

3

Λύγισε υπό το βάρος των τύψεων και ομολόγησε.

He buckled under the weight of remorse and confessed.

'Υπό το βάρος' is a formal prepositional phrase.

4

Το βάρος της παράδοσης επηρεάζει τις αποφάσεις μας.

The weight of tradition influences our decisions.

'Παράδοση' means tradition.

5

Πρέπει να βρούμε την ισορροπία μεταξύ βάρους και ταχύτητας.

We must find the balance between weight and speed.

'Μεταξύ' means between.

6

Το ιδεολογικό βάρος της κίνησης αυτής είναι σημαντικό.

The ideological weight of this move is significant.

'Ιδεολογικό' refers to ideology.

7

Η μελέτη εξετάζει το βάρος του χρέους στην οικονομία.

The study examines the burden of debt on the economy.

'Χρέους' is the genitive of 'χρέος' (debt).

8

Ο αθλητής ξεπέρασε το βάρος των προσδοκιών.

The athlete overcame the weight of expectations.

'Προσδοκιών' is the genitive plural of 'προσδοκία'.

1

Το ειδικό βάρος του συγκεκριμένου επιστήμονα είναι αδιαμφισβήτητο.

The prestige/influence of this specific scientist is unquestionable.

'Ειδικό βάρος' here means professional authority.

2

Η μεταρρύθμιση κατέρρευσε υπό το βάρος των κοινωνικών αντιδράσεων.

The reform collapsed under the weight of social reactions.

'Κατέρρευσε' means collapsed.

3

Προσπαθεί να αποτινάξει το βάρος του παρελθόντος.

He is trying to shake off the weight of the past.

'Αποτινάζω' is a high-level verb for 'shake off'.

4

Το βάρος της απόδειξης στην πολιτική δίκη ανήκει στον ενάγοντα.

The burden of proof in a civil trial belongs to the plaintiff.

Legal terminology.

5

Η ποιητική συλλογή έχει ένα ιδιαίτερο υπαρξιακό βάρος.

The poetry collection has a special existential weight.

'Υπαρξιακό' means existential.

6

Η χώρα φέρει το βάρος της ιστορίας της με υπερηφάνεια.

The country bears the weight of its history with pride.

'Φέρει' is a formal verb for 'bears' or 'carries'.

7

Το βάρος των λέξεων μπορεί να πληγώσει περισσότερο από τις πράξεις.

The weight of words can hurt more than actions.

Abstract use of 'βάρος'.

8

Η οικονομική κρίση πρόσθεσε επιπλέον βάρος στα νοικοκυριά.

The economic crisis added extra burden to households.

'Νοικοκυριά' means households.

1

Η οντολογική θεμελίωση του έργου προσδίδει σε αυτό ένα ασήκωτο βάρος.

The ontological foundation of the work gives it an unbearable weight.

Extremely formal academic language.

2

Ο πολιτικός ηγέτης λειτούργησε ως αντίβαρο στο βάρος της λαϊκιστικής ρητορικής.

The political leader acted as a counterweight to the weight of populist rhetoric.

'Αντίβαρο' means counterweight.

3

Η θεωρία της σχετικότητας άλλαξε την αντίληψή μας για το βάρος και το χρόνο.

The theory of relativity changed our perception of weight and time.

Scientific context.

4

Το βάρος της σιωπής στην αίθουσα ήταν σχεδόν ψηλαφητό.

The weight of the silence in the room was almost palpable.

Literary/Poetic use.

5

Η αρχιτεκτονική του κτιρίου παίζει με την ψευδαίσθηση του βάρους.

The building's architecture plays with the illusion of weight.

Artistic/Technical context.

6

Το ηθικό βάρος της επιλογής αυτής θα τον στοιχειώνει για πάντα.

The moral weight of this choice will haunt him forever.

'Στοιχειώνει' means haunts.

7

Η κατανομή του βάρους στην κατασκευή είναι ζωτικής σημασίας.

The distribution of weight in the construction is of vital importance.

Engineering context.

8

Η γραφειοκρατία αποτελεί τροχοπέδη και πρόσθετο βάρος για την ανάπτυξη.

Bureaucracy is a brake and an additional burden for development.

'Τροχοπέδη' means brake/obstacle.

Synonyms

φορτίο άχθος σημασία σπουδαιότητα μάζα πίεση επίδραση κύρος

Antonyms

ελαφρότητα ασημαντότητα ευκολία πούπουλο

Common Collocations

χάνω βάρος
παίρνω βάρος
σηκώνω βάρη
ειδικό βάρος
καθαρό βάρος
ρίχνω το βάρος
υπό το βάρος
σωματικό βάρος
βάρος της ευθύνης
ιδανικό βάρος

Common Phrases

ένα βάρος στο στήθος

— A feeling of anxiety or sadness.

Νιώθω ένα βάρος στο στήθος.

μου έφυγε ένα βάρος

— I feel relieved from a problem.

Μόλις τελείωσα την εξέταση, μου έφυγε ένα βάρος.

σηκώνω το βάρος των συνεπειών

— To accept the consequences of an action.

Πρέπει να σηκώσεις το βάρος των συνεπειών.

το βάρος της ηλικίας

— The physical or mental toll of getting older.

Λυγίζει από το βάρος της ηλικίας.

δίνω βάρος σε κάτι

— To prioritize or emphasize something.

Δώσε βάρος στις λεπτομέρειες.

μεικτό βάρος

— The total weight including packaging.

Το μεικτό βάρος είναι δύο κιλά.

απώλεια βάρους

— Weight loss.

Η απώλεια βάρους ήταν σταδιακή.

έλεγχος βάρους

— Weight control/monitoring.

Κάνει έλεγχο βάρους κάθε εβδομάδα.

βάρος στην καρδιά

— Emotional heaviness or guilt.

Έχει ένα βάρος στην καρδιά για όσα είπε.

πρόσθετο βάρος

— Additional burden or weight.

Αυτό είναι ένα πρόσθετο βάρος για εμάς.

Idioms & Expressions

"ρίχνω το βάρος μου"

— To dedicate all efforts and influence to a cause.

Έριξε όλο το βάρος του στην εκλογή του.

neutral
"υπό το βάρος των περιστάσεων"

— Acting because of extreme pressure or necessity.

Αναγκάστηκε να παραιτηθεί υπό το βάρος των περιστάσεων.

formal
"το βάρος της απόδειξης"

— The legal obligation to prove a claim.

Το βάρος της απόδειξης το έχει η κατηγορία.

legal
"ασήκωτο βάρος"

— An unbearable burden, often emotional.

Η απώλεια ήταν ένα ασήκωτο βάρος.

literary
"βγάζω τα βάρη"

— To finish a difficult or 'heavy' task.

Επιτέλους βγάλαμε τα βάρη της ημέρας.

informal
"με βαριά καρδιά"

— Doing something with sadness or reluctance (adjective-based but related).

Έφυγε με βαριά καρδιά.

neutral
"το βάρος του ονόματος"

— The responsibility of having a famous or respected family name.

Αισθάνεται το βάρος του ονόματός του.

neutral
"κάνω το βάρος μου"

— To exert my influence (less common, usually 'χρησιμοποιώ το βάρος μου').

Θα κάνω το βάρος μου για να σε βοηθήσω.

informal
"έπεσε το βάρος πάνω μου"

— I became responsible for everything.

Όλο το βάρος της δουλειάς έπεσε πάνω μου.

neutral
"ζυγίζω το βάρος των λέξεων"

— To be very careful with what one says.

Πρέπει να ζυγίζεις το βάρος των λέξεων πριν μιλήσεις.

literary

Word Family

Nouns

βαρίδι (sinker/weight)
βαρύτητα (gravity)
επιβάρυνση (burdening/surcharge)

Verbs

βαραίνω (to weigh down/become heavy)
επιβαρύνω (to burden/charge)

Adjectives

βαρύς (heavy)
ασήκωτος (unliftable)
ελαφρύς (light - antonym)

Related

βαρόμετρο (barometer)
βαρύτονος (baritone)
βαρυσήμαντος (of great significance)
πολύβαρος (heavy-duty)
υπέρβαρος (overweight)
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Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Barometer' which measures the 'VÁ-ros' (weight/pressure) of the air.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant 'V' (for VÁ-ros) made of heavy lead sitting on a scale.

Word Web

κιλό γραμμάριο ζυγαριά γυμναστήριο ευθύνη υγεία μάζα πίεση

Challenge

Try to use 'βάρος' in three different ways today: once for a physical object, once for your health, and once for a responsibility.

Word Origin

Derived from the Ancient Greek 'βάρος' (báros), from the Proto-Indo-European root *gʷer- meaning 'heavy'.

Original meaning: Heaviness, weight, or burden.

Indo-European (Hellenic branch).

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing 'σωματικό βάρος' (body weight) as it can be a sensitive topic, despite the cultural directness mentioned.

In English, 'burden' is often used where Greeks would use 'βάρος', but 'weight' is a direct equivalent in most physical contexts.

'The Unbearable Lightness of Being' by Milan Kundera (Το Αβάσταχτο Βάρος της Ύπαρξης in Greek). Ancient Greek concept of 'Baros' in physics and philosophy.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Grocery Store

  • Πόσο βάρος έχει;
  • Θέλω αυτό το βάρος.
  • Προσέξτε το βάρος.
  • Είναι σωστό το βάρος;

Gym

  • Σηκώνω βάρη.
  • Πόσα βάρη βάζεις;
  • Τα βάρη είναι εκεί.
  • Θέλω πιο πολλά βάρη.

Doctor's Office

  • Πρέπει να χάσετε βάρος.
  • Το βάρος σας είναι σταθερό.
  • Έχετε φυσιολογικό βάρος.
  • Προσέχετε το βάρος σας;

Airport

  • Το βάρος της βαλίτσας.
  • Υπέρβαρο (overweight luggage).
  • Περιορισμός βάρους.
  • Πόσο βάρος επιτρέπεται;

Work/Business

  • Δίνουμε βάρος στην ποιότητα.
  • Το βάρος της δουλειάς.
  • Πολιτικό βάρος.
  • Οικονομικό βάρος.

Conversation Starters

"Πιστεύεις ότι είναι εύκολο να χάσει κάποιος βάρος χωρίς γυμναστική;"

"Πόσο βάρος σηκώνεις συνήθως όταν πηγαίνεις στο γυμναστήριο;"

"Νιώθεις ποτέ το βάρος των ευθυνών σου να σε κουράζει;"

"Ποιο είναι το ιδανικό βάρος για έναν άνθρωπο του ύψους σου;"

"Πόσο βάρος δίνει η κοινωνία μας στην εξωτερική εμφάνιση;"

Journal Prompts

Γράψε για μια φορά που ένιωσες ένα μεγάλο βάρος να φεύγει από πάνω σου.

Πώς διαχειρίζεσαι το βάρος των καθημερινών σου υποχρεώσεων;

Ποια είναι η άποψή σου για τη σημασία του σωματικού βάρους στην υγεία;

Περίγραψε μια κατάσταση όπου ο λόγος σου είχε μεγάλο βάρος.

Σε ποια πράγματα στη ζωή σου δίνεις το μεγαλύτερο βάρος;

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