Greek original · Nature
Ἄριστον μὲν ὕδωρ
Ariston men hydōr
“Best of all is water.”
Pindar, Olympian Odes 1.1
Meaning
What does “Ariston men hydōr” mean?
Water – simple, essential, life-giving – is the greatest of all things. Pindar goes on to compare it with gold and the Olympic Games.
Origin
The story behind it
These are the first words of Pindar’s first Olympian ode (476 BC), celebrating a victory at Olympia. The line is still carved on fountains and spa buildings.
Greek and Latin
From Greek to Latin
The Greek originalἌριστον μὲν ὕδωρ
Ariston men hydōr
In Latin
There is no standard Latin version.
Pronunciation
How to say it
Roughly AH-ris-ton men HOO-dor.
When to use it
How to use it today
Perfect for a spa, a fountain, a water brand or a swimming club.
- Greek
- Ἄριστον μὲν ὕδωρ
- Transliteration
- Ariston men hydōr
- English
- Best of all is water.
- Source
- Pindar, Olympian Odes 1.1
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