What does slave mean in Greek?

There isn't one single word in ancient Greek that perfectly translates to the English "slave" in all its historical and social contexts. The most common words used, and their nuances, include:

* δοῦλος (doulus): This is the most frequent and general term for a slave. It implies a person who is completely under the power and ownership of another.

* ἀνδράποδον (andrápōdon): Literally meaning "human-footed," this term emphasizes the slave's status as a piece of property, a chattel. It carries a more dehumanizing connotation than *doulus*.

* οἰκέτης (oikētēs): This word means "household servant" and could refer to both slaves and free servants. The context is crucial to determine the actual status.

Therefore, the best translation depends heavily on the specific context. While *doulus* is often used as a direct equivalent, the other terms reveal the varied ways the ancient Greeks perceived and categorized enslaved people.