θηρίο
thirío/θiˈɾi.o/neuter
The Greek word for beast is θηρίο (thirío).
θηρίο refers to a non-human animal. In literary or formal contexts, it often carries the specific connotation of a wild, dangerous or predatory beast.
Meaning: non-human animal (noun)
Which one should you use?
While the general word for animal is ζώο, θηρίο is used to specifically imply a wild or ferocious creature.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is a neuter noun. The plural form of the neuter noun θηρίο is θηρία.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is thirío. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- In modern Greek slang, calling someone a θηρίο can actually be a compliment, suggesting they are an absolute powerhouse or incredibly skilled at a particular activity.
- The Greek word θηρίο is the linguistic ancestor of the English word 'therian', used by people who identify as non-human animals.
- While θηρίο describes a wild animal, using it to describe a person in Greek is a harsh way to call someone a 'savage' or 'brute'.
Examples in context
- Το θηρίο ήταν απόλυτα επικίνδυνο.The beast was absolutely dangerous.
- Κάθε φορά που συναντάω τον Παναγιώτη, νιώθω σαν να έχω απέναντί μου ένα αληθινό θηρίο!Every time I meet Panagiotis, I feel like I'm facing a real beast!
- Εκείνο το θηρίο είναι πολύ μεγάλο.Ekino to thirio einai poly megalo.That beast is very large.
- Είδα ένα άγριο θηρίο στο δάσος.Eida ena agrio thirio sto dasos.I saw a wild beast in the forest.
- Το θηρίο κρύβεται μέσα στα θάμνα.To thirio krybetai mesa sta thamna.The beast is hiding in the bushes.
Example conversation
Anastasia and Giorgos are visiting a wildlife sanctuary.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΚοίτα αυτό το τεράστιο θηρίο, Γιώργο!Koita afto to terastio thirio, Giorgo!Look at this huge beast, Giorgos!
- Γιώργος GiorgosΠραγμάτως, μοιάζει πολύ τρομακτικό.Pragmatos, moiazei poly tromaktiko.Indeed, it looks very scary.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΕίναι το πιο δυνατό θηρίο εδώ.Einai to pio dynato thirio edo.It is the strongest beast here.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΝαι, είναι πραγματικά εντυπωσιακό.Ne, einai pragmatika entyposiako.Yes, it is truly impressive.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “beast” translations and entries θηρίο, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
