μπίρα
bíra/ˈbira/feminine
Beer in Greek is μπίρα (bíra). Wiktionary also lists ζύθος (zýthos).
Meaning: alcoholic drink made of malt (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| μπίρα | bíra | /ˈbira/ | feminine |
| ζύθος | zýthos | /ˈziθos/ | masculine |
The term refers to the alcoholic drink made of malt.
Which one should you use?
μπίρα is the common, everyday word for beer used in modern Greek, whereas ζύθος is a more formal or archaic term often used in historical or literary contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
μπίρα is a feminine noun. Consequently, the genitive singular form used to mean "of the beer" is της μπίρας.
How do you pronounce it?
bíra
Did you know?
- While μπίρα is used in conversation, you will often see ζύθος printed on beer labels and menus to give the product a more traditional or sophisticated feel.
- The modern word μπίρα entered the Greek language through the influence of Venetian, rather than being an indigenous Greek word.
- The ancient word ζύθος is closely related to the Greek word for 'leaven' or 'yeast', reflecting the biological process of fermentation.
Examples in context
- Μ' αρέσει η μπίρα.I like beer.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for the form μπίρα.Tatoeba #5488507 by Zeus, translation #2245932 by CK
- Δε μ' αρέσει η μπίρα.I don't like beer.This sentence is useful for expressing a dislike for the form μπίρα.Tatoeba #5488510 by Zeus, translation #4073321 by CK
- Ο Τομ πίνει πολλή μπίρα.Tom drinks a lot of beer.This sentence is useful for describing the amount of the form μπίρα someone drinks.Tatoeba #5517187 by Zeus, translation #4700124 by CK
- Μέρακλης: Θερμή μέρα σήμερα! Ένα ποτήρι μπύρα, παρακαλώ.Meraklis: Warm day today! One glass of beer, please.
- Νίκος: Τρεις μπυρίτσες παρακαλώ!Nikos: Three beers, please!
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Eleni and Kostas are sitting at a cafe.
- Ελένη EleniΘέλεις μια μπίρα, Κώστα;Theleis mia bira, Kosta;Do you want a beer, Kostas?
- Κώστας KostasΝαι, μια κρύα μπίρα θα ήθελα.Nai, mia krya bira tha ithela.Yes, I would like a cold beer.
- Ελένη EleniΘα την παραγγείλω εγώ.Tha tin parangeilo ego.I will order it.
- Κώστας KostasΕυχαριστώ πολύ, Ελένη.Efcharisto poly, Eleni.Thank you very much, Eleni.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “beer” translations and entries μπίρα, ζύθος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ζύθος, μπίρα, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
