Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| παραλία | paralía | /pa.ɾaˈli.a/ | feminine |
| αμμουδιά | ammoudiá | feminine | |
| ακρογιαλιά | akrogialiá | feminine |
In Greek, the terms for beach vary depending on whether you are referring to the entire coastal area, the sandy material itself or the specific point where the water meets the land. Use παραλία to refer to the general beach or seaside area. If you want to specifically emphasize the sand or a sandy beach, use αμμουδιά. Use ακρογιαλιά to describe the shoreline or the water's edge.
What does it mean word for word?
The word παραλία is derived from a root meaning beside the sea, coast or seaside.
Which one should you use?
While παραλία is the general term for a beach or seaside area, αμμουδιά specifically refers to a sandy beach. Ακρογιαλιά is more precise, describing the specific strip of land at the water's edge or the shoreline rather than the entire beach area.
How does it change in a sentence?
All three forms, αμμουδιά, παραλία and ακρογιαλιά, are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is paralía. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable: /pa.ɾaˈli.a/.
Did you know?
- The word ακρογιαλιά is often used in Greek music and poetry to symbolize the threshold between two worlds or the point of a painful farewell.
- While an English speaker might say 'I am going to the beach', a Greek person might say 'I am going to the sea' (πάω στη θάλασσα) even if they are specifically heading to a sandy shore.
- The root ἅλς found in παραλία is also the ancestor of the English word 'saline'.
Examples in context
- Πώς ήταν η παραλία;How was the beach?This is useful for asking about an experience at the beach using παραλία.Tatoeba #5410035 by Zeus, translation #2486697 by CK
- Θα πάω στην παραλία.I'll go to the beach.This shows how to express an intention to go to the beach using παραλία.Tatoeba #2635754 by Zeus, translation #2635287 by CK
- Μ' αρέσει η παραλία.I like the beach.This is a way to express liking the beach using παραλία.Tatoeba #5609846 by Zeus, translation #2377473 by CK
- Πάμε στην παραλία!Let's go to the beach!
- Η παραλία είναι όμορφη.The beach is beautiful.
- Μου αρέσει να περνώ χρόνο στην παραλία.I love spending time at the beach.
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giorgos and Anastasia are planning their day at the seaside.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΠοια παραλία προτιμάς για σήμερα;Poia paralía protimás gia símera;Which beach do you prefer for today?
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΘέλω μια ήσυχη παραλία χωρίς κόσμο.Thélo mia isychí paralía chorís kósmo.I want a quiet beach without crowds.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΓνωρίζω μία πολύ όμορφη και καθαρή.Gnorízo mía polý ómorfi kai katharí.I know one that is very beautiful and clean.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΤέλεια, ας πάμε εκεί αμέσως!Téleia, as páme ekéi amésos!Perfect, let's go there immediately!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “beach” translations and entries παραλία, αμμουδιά, ακρογιαλιά, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries παραλία, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
