ζώο
zóo/ˈzo.o/neuter
The Greek word for animal is ζώο (zóo). Wiktionary also lists κτήνος (ktínos) and θηρίο (thirío).
Meaning: organism other than human (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ζώο | zóo | /ˈzo.o/ | neuter |
| κτήνος | ktínos | neuter | |
| θηρίο | thirío | /θiˈɾi.o/ | neuter |
The term refers to any organism that is not human.
Which one should you use?
ζώο is the standard, neutral term for any animal used in scientific, everyday or general contexts. In contrast, θηρίο refers to a wild beast or a predatory animal and often carries a more dramatic or frightening connotation. κτήνος is an older or more specific term often associated with livestock or large numbers of animals.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the neutral noun ζώο is ζώα. To indicate possession or 'of the animal', use the genitive singular form ζώου.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈzo.o/. It has 2 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The term κτήνος is rooted in the Ancient Greek word for 'property' or 'possession'. This reflects a historical view of animals primarily as assets or livestock.
- While θηρίο means 'beast', it is often used as a metaphor for a person who is uncontrolled or aggressive. Calling someone a θηρίο can imply they are acting with savage cruelty.
- In ancient Greek philosophy, the word ζῷον was often used to define a 'living thing' that possesses a soul, distinguishing it from inanimate objects.
Examples in context
- Ποιό ζώο είναι μεγάλο;Which animal is large?This sentence is useful for asking about the size of a ζώο.Tatoeba #3142391 by glavkos, translation #6157623 by amoeba
- Αυτό το ζώο τρέφεται με κρέας.This animal feeds on meat.This sentence is useful for describing the diet of a ζώο.Tatoeba #2918583 by glavkos, translation #9695091 by Nylez
- Αυτό το ζώο είναι δικό μου.This animal is mine.This sentence is useful for expressing ownership of a ζώο.Tatoeba #11151980 by carlosalberto, translation #4468850 by jakob
- Τα ζώα ανήκουν στον βασίλειο των πολυκυττάρων οργανισμών.Animals belong to the kingdom of multicellular organisms.
- Αναζητούμε τα κοινά στοιχεία μεταξύ διάφορων ειδών ζώων.We are looking for common characteristics among different animal species.
- Το πλάσμα αυτό είναι πολύ γλυκό!This animal is very cute!
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At the zoo, Maria and Giorgos are looking at the exhibits.
- Μαρία MariaΚοίτα αυτό το περίεργο ζώο, Γιώργο!Kita afto to periergo zo'o, Giorgo!Look at this strange animal, Giorgos!
- Γιώργος GiorgosΝαι, Μαρία, είναι πραγματικά εντυπωσιακό.Ne, Maria, ine pragmatika entiposiako.Yes, Maria, it is truly impressive.
- Μαρία MariaΠιστεύεις ότι είναι επικίνδυνο;Pisteveis oti ine epikindyno;Do you think it is dangerous?
- Γιώργος GiorgosΊσως, ας μείνουμε μακριά.Isos, as meinou makria.Maybe, let's stay away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “animal” translations and entries ζώο, κτήνος, θηρίο, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ζώο, θηρίο, κτήνος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
