μαύρος
mávros/ˈma.vɾos/masculine
The English word black is translated into Greek as μαύρος (mávros).
The word is used as an adjective to describe something that is absorbing all light.
Meaning: absorbing all light (adj)
Which one should you use?
While μαύρος is the standard term for the color, you may encounter μέλας, which is a more formal or literary version used in poetry or high-level descriptions. Additionally, the form μαύρη can refer specifically to a black ball in games like billiards, snooker or pool.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, the form of the word changes to match the gender and number of the noun it describes. Use μαύρος for masculine singular nouns, μαύρη for feminine singular nouns and μαύρο for neuter singular nouns. For plural nouns, use μαύροι for masculine, μαύρες for feminine and μαύρα for neuter.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈma.vɾos/. The stress is on the first of the two syllables.
Did you know?
- While μαύρος is common, the formal term μέλας is the basis for the English word 'melancholy', which originally described a 'black bile' thought to cause sadness.
- The word μαύρος is the root of the English word 'melanin', the pigment that gives color to skin and hair.
- The word μαύρος actually stems from the Ancient Greek word ἀμαυρός, which originally meant 'dark' or 'dim' rather than a pure, solid black.
Examples in context
- Ο γάτος είναι μαύρος.The cat is black.This sentence shows how to use μαύρος to describe a cat.Tatoeba #5592293 by Zeus, translation #1107280 by CK
- Ο δικός μου είναι μαύρος.Mine is black.This sentence shows how to use μαύρος to say something is mine.Tatoeba #5422687 by Zeus, translation #5342176 by Amittai
- Ήταν μαύρος.It was black.This sentence shows the use of μαύρος in a past tense context.Tatoeba #5630103 by Zeus, translation #2549766 by CK
- μαύρο πουκάμισοBlack shirt
- μαύρο φόρεμαBlack dress
- μαύρο αυτοκίνητοBlack car
- Η τσάντα είναι μαύρηThe bag is black
Example conversation
Dimitris and Kyriaki are looking at a piece of clothing in a store.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΣου αρέσει αυτός ο μαύρος πουλόβερ;Sou aresei aftos o mavros poulover?Do you like this black sweater?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝαι, είναι πολύ όμορφος.Ne, einai poly omorfos.Yes, it is very beautiful.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΘέλεις να τον δοκιμάσεις;Theleis na ton dokimaseis?Do you want to try it on?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝαι, προτιμώ τον μαύρο χρωματισμό.Ne, protimo ton mavro chromatismo.Yes, I prefer the black color.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “black” translations and entries μαύρος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries μαύρος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
