μπουκάλι
boukáli/buˈka.li/neuter
The Greek word for bottle is μπουκάλι (boukáli). Wiktionary also lists φιάλη (fiáli).
Meaning: container (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| μπουκάλι | boukáli | /buˈka.li/ | neuter |
| φιάλη | fiáli | feminine |
Both forms refer to a container for liquids, but they are used for different types and sizes of vessels.
Which one should you use?
While μπουκάλι is the standard word for a bottle, φιάλη refers to a small, often glass, vial or a medicinal bottle.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word μπουκάλι is a neuter noun, and its plural form is μπουκάλια. The word φιάλη is a feminine noun, and its plural is φιάλες.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of μπουκάλι is /buˈka.li/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word μπουκάλι is an 'antidáneio', a word that left Greek for other languages and eventually returned to Greek as a loanword.
- The term φιάλη appears in historical contexts as a ritual vessel used for libations in Ancient Greece.
- The word φιάλη has undergone a complete conceptual transformation from Ancient Greek, where it originally meant a 'saucer' or a 'bowl' rather than a container with a neck.
Examples in context
- Το μπουκάλι μου έσπασε.The bottle broke on me.This sentence is useful for describing a bottle that broke.Tatoeba #7766763 by eypros, translation #3294847 by Dejo
- Το μπουκάλι είναι άδειο.The bottle is empty.This sentence is useful for stating that a bottle is empty.Tatoeba #3228894 by Zeus, translation #2002556 by bichodebola
- Το μπουκάλι είναι γεμάτο.The bottle is full.This sentence is useful for stating that a bottle is full.Tatoeba #3228891 by Zeus, translation #2002555 by bichodebola
- Μπορείτε να μου δώσετε μία φιάλη νερό, παρακαλώ;Can you give me a bottle of water, please?
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Nikos are preparing to go for a walk.
- Μαρία MariaΝίκο, πού είναι το μπουκάλι με το νερό;Niko, pou einai to boukali me to nero?Nikos, where is the water bottle?
- Νίκος NikosΕίναι πάνω στο τραπέζι, Μαρία.Einai pano sto trapezi, Maria.It is on the table, Maria.
- Μαρία MariaΕίναι ακόμα κλειστό το μπουκάλι;Einai akoma klisto to boukali?Is the bottle still closed?
- Νίκος NikosΝαι, είναι καινούργιο.Ne, einai kainourio.Yes, it is new.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bottle” translations and entries μπουκάλι, φιάλη, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries μπουκάλι, φιάλη, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
