μπάλα
bála/ˈba.la/feminine
The English word "ball" is translated into Greek as either μπάλα (bála) or τόπι.
Meaning: object, generally spherical, used for playing games (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| μπάλα | bála | /ˈba.la/ | feminine |
| τόπι | tópi | /ˈtopi/ | neuter |
Both words refer to a spherical object used for playing games.
Which one should you use?
μπάλα is a feminine noun, whereas τόπι is a neuter noun.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because μπάλα is feminine, any accompanying articles or adjectives must also be in the feminine form, such as η μπάλα or μια μπάλα. Because τόπι is neuter, any accompanying articles or adjectives must be in the neuter form, such as το τόπι or ένα τόπι.
How do you pronounce it?
The word μπάλα is pronounced /ˈba.la/. It has two syllables and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word τόπι comes from the Ottoman Turkish word 'top', which meant both a 'ball' and a 'cannon'.
- In Greece, the phrase έχει την μπάλα can be used metaphorically to mean someone is in control of a situation or has the initiative.
- Greek lacks a single dedicated word for 'ball' that covers every possible sphere, often relying on μπάλα for sports and σφαίρα for geometric or celestial spheres.
Examples in context
- Πού 'ν' η μπάλα;Where's the ball?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of the μπάλα.Tatoeba #5368872 by Zeus, translation #3826379 by CK
- Ο Τομ έπιασε την μπάλα.Tom caught the ball.This sentence is useful for describing the action of catching the μπάλα.Tatoeba #5529827 by Zeus, translation #680481 by Source_VOA
- Και η μπάλα είναι στα δίχτυα.And the ball is in the net.This sentence is useful for describing the position of the μπάλα in a net.Tatoeba #11470351 by carlosalberto, translation #11470325 by carlosalberto
- Το αγόρι παίζει με μία μπάλα.The boy is playing with a ball.
- Η μπάλα έπεσε στη θάλασσα.The ball fell into the sea.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Eleni and Kostas are playing in the garden.
- Ελένη EleniΈχετε τη μπάλα, Κώστα;Echete ti bala, Kosta?Do you have the ball, Kostas?
- Κώστας KostasΝαι, η μπάλα είναι εδώ.Nai, i bala einai edo.Yes, the ball is here.
- Ελένη EleniΡίξε μου τη μπάλα τώρα.Rixe mou ti bala tora.Throw me the ball now.
- Κώστας KostasΟρίστε, πιάσε την!Oriste, piase tin!Here, catch it!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ball” translations and entries μπάλα, τόπι, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries μπάλα, τόπι, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
