κεχριμπάρι
kechrimpári/ce.xɾiˈba.ɾi/
In Greek, the word for the color and substance amber is κεχριμπάρι (kechrimpári).
The word κεχριμπάρι functions as both a noun and an adjective. As a noun, it refers to the fossilized resin and as an adjective, it describes the specific amber color.
Meaning: colour (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced kechrimpári. It has four syllables, with the stress on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- In ancient Greece, the substance was called ήλεκτρον, the root of the English word 'electricity' because of the material's static properties.
- The word κεχριμπάρι is a linguistic traveler that traces its roots from Persian through Ottoman Turkish before reaching Modern Greek.
- While κεχριμπάρι is the standard word for the color, Greeks may use the word χρυσό meaning 'golden' to describe similar warm yellow tones in common speech.
Examples in context
- Κατά τις διακοπές στη Βαλτική θάλασσα εμείς μαζέψαμε κεχριμπάρι.We gathered amber during the holidays on the Baltic Sea.This sentence shows the use of κεχριμπάρι when referring to the substance gathered from the sea.Tatoeba #1663217 by glavkos, translation #9700391 by Nylez
- The archaeological museum exhibited a beautiful necklace made of κεχριμπάρι.The archaeological museum exhibited a beautiful necklace made of amber.
Example conversation
Maria and Giorgos are looking at jewelry in a shop.
- Μαρία MariaΚοίτα αυτό το δαχτυλίδι, Γιώργο!Koíta aftó to dachtylídi, Giórgo!Look at this ring, Giorgos!
- Γιώργος GiorgosΤι υλικό είναι αυτό;Ti ylikó einai aftó?What material is this?
- Μαρία MariaΕίναι φτιαγμένο από κεχριμπάρι.Einai ftiagméno apó kechribári.It is made of amber.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕίναι πραγματικά πολύ όμορφο.Einai pragmatiká polý ómorfo.It is truly very beautiful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry κεχριμπάρι, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries κεχριμπάρι, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
