βάρκα
várka/ˈvaɾ.ka/feminine
The English word boat is translated into Greek as βάρκα (várka), λέμβος or καΐκι.
Meaning: water craft (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| βάρκα | várka | /ˈvaɾ.ka/ | feminine |
| λέμβος | lémvos | feminine | |
| καΐκι | kaḯki | /kaˈi.ci/ | neuter |
All three forms refer to a water craft or vessel.
Which one should you use?
βάρκα is the most common and general word for a small boat or skiff. καΐκι specifically refers to a small traditional fishing boat or a small vessel often used in a coastal or island context. λέμβος is a more formal or literary term for a boat or vessel.
Is it said differently in some regions?
καΐκι is often used in coastal or island contexts to refer to traditional fishing boats.
How does it change in a sentence?
βάρκα is a feminine noun. Its plural is βάρκες. λέμβος is a feminine noun. Its plural is λέμβοι. καΐκι is a neuter noun. Its plural is καίκια.
How do you pronounce it?
várka is pronounced /ˈvaɾ.ka/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The term βάρκα has a surprising connection to Ancient Egypt, tracing back through Latin to the Egyptian word for a wide, flat-bottomed river boat.
- Even though καΐκι comes from a Turkish root, it has become a quintessential part of the Greek-speaking maritime identity and culture.
- A learner might be surprised to find that 'boat' can be expressed through three words that vary so wildly in their origins, from Ancient Egyptian to Ottoman Turkish.
Examples in context
- Η βάρκα μου είναι μικρή.My boat is small.This sentence is useful for describing the size of your βάρκα.Tatoeba #5371092 by Zeus, translation #5366348 by CK
- Θέλεις να δεις τη βάρκα μου;Do you want to see my boat?This sentence is useful for offering to show someone your βάρκα.Tatoeba #5512488 by Zeus, translation #5484544 by CK
- Η βάρκα χάθηκε.The boat is lost.This sentence is useful for stating that a βάρκα has been lost.Tatoeba #3053318 by glavkos, translation #266406 by timur_seber
- Το σκάφος είναι στη θάλασσαThe boat is in the sea.
- Το πλοίο έφτασε στο λιμάνιThe ship arrived at the port.
- Πάμε μια βόλτα με τη βάρκα;Shall we go for a ride with the boat?
- Μισώ να ξυπνάω νωρίς για το καΐκιI hate waking up early for the fishing boat.
- Πηγαίνω με το πλοίο στα ελληνικά νησιάI am going to the Greek islands by ship.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nikos and Anastasia are standing by the shore looking at the sea.
- Νίκος NikosΒλέπεις αυτή τη βάρκα;Vlepis afti ti varka;Do you see this boat?
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΝαι, είναι πολύ παλιά η βάρκα.Ne, einai poly palia i varka.Yes, the boat is very old.
- Νίκος NikosΘέλεις να την πάρεις;Theleis na tin pareis;Do you want to take it?
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΌχι, η βάρκα αυτή είναι επικίνδυνη.Ochi, i varka afti einai epikindyni.No, this boat is dangerous.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “boat” translations and entries βάρκα, λέμβος, καΐκι, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries βάρκα, καΐκι, λέμβος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
