βασιλικός
vasilikós/va.si.liˈkos/masculine
The Greek word for basil is βασιλικός (vasilikós).
Meaning: herb (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word βασιλικός is etymologically related to the Greek concept of being 'royal' or 'kingly'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is a masculine noun. When you want to say 'of basil', use the genitive singular form βασιλικού.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables: va-si-li-kós. The stress is on the 4th syllable. The romanization is vasilikós.
Did you know?
- The Greek word for basil is a direct link to the ancient concept of a 'basileus', the word for a king or ruler.
- Because its name is tied to royalty, the word βασιλικός is also the adjective used to describe something 'royal' or 'regal' in Greek.
- The word for basil shares the exact same root as the word for 'king', which is βασιλιάς.
Examples in context
- Ο βασιλικός είναι φρέσκος.O vasilikos einai freskos.The basil is fresh.
- Αυτός ο βασιλικός μυρίζει πολύ καλά.Aftos o vasilikos myrizei polí kalá.This basil smells very good.
Example conversation
Kyriaki and Nikos are cooking dinner together.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝίκο, πού είναι ο βασιλικός;Níko, poú eínai o vasilikós?Nikos, where is the basil?
- Νίκος NikosΕίναι πάνω στο τραπέζι, Κυριάκη.Eínai páno sto trapézi, Kyriáki.It is on the table, Kyriaki.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΤον βρήκα, ευχαριστώ πολύ.Ton vríka, efcharistó polý.I found it, thank you very much.
- Νίκος NikosΠαρακαλώ, βάλε τον τώρα.Parakaló, vále ton tóra.You're welcome, put it in now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “basil” translations and entries βασιλικός, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
