μπολ
bolneuter
The English word bowl is μπολ (bol) in Greek. Wiktionary also lists κυπελλάκι (kypelláki) and γαβάθα (gavátha).
Meaning: container for food (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| μπολ | bol | neuter |
| κυπελλάκι | kypelláki | |
| γαβάθα | gavátha | feminine |
| τσανάκα | tsanáka | feminine |
In modern Greek, the loanword μπολ is commonly used to refer to a standard kitchen bowl, particularly those used for serving cereal or soup. You can specify the size by using μικρό μπολ for a small bowl or μεγάλο μπολ for a large bowl.
Which one should you use?
While μπολ refers to a standard bowl, the word κυπελλάκι (the diminutive of cup) is often used for very small, cup-sized bowls used for dipping or condiments.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word μπολ is an indeclinable noun, meaning its form does not change when referring to multiple bowls.
How do you pronounce it?
bol
Did you know?
- The word τσανάκα reveals a historical connection to the Ottoman Empire, as it originates from the Turkish word for a bowl or basin.
- While 'bowl' is a generic term in English, the Greek word γαβάθα specifically refers to a large, deep bowl, often used for serving substantial portions of food or soup.
- The word κυπελλάκι uses the suffix -άκι, which is used in Greek not just for size but to express affection or delicacy.
Examples in context
- το μπολ με το πιάτο και το κουτάλιThe bowl with the plate and the spoon
- Παρακαλώ, μπορείς να μου φέρεις ένα μεγάλο μπολ;Please, can you bring me a big bowl?
- Μπορείτε να μου φέρετε ένα μπολ για το γιαούρτι;Could you bring me a bowl for the yogurt?
- Το μπολ είναι πάνω στο τραπέζι.To bol íne páno sto trapézi.The bowl is on the table.
Example conversation
Kyriaki and Giorgos are preparing breakfast in the kitchen.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΓιώργο, μπορείς να μου δώσεις ένα μπολ;Giórgo, borís na mou dósis éna bol?Giorgos, can you give me a bowl?
- Γιώργος GiorgosΒεβαίως, είναι εδώ στο ράφι.Veváios, eínai edó sto ráfi.Of course, it is here on the shelf.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕυχαριστώ, θέλω να φάω γιαούρτι.Efcharistó, thélo na fáo yaoúrti.Thank you, I want to eat yogurt.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΟρίστε το μπολ σου, Κυριακή.Oríste to bol sou, Kyriákí.Here is your bowl, Kyriaki.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bowl” translations and entries μπολ, κυπελλάκι, τσανάκα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries κυπελλάκι, μπολ, τσανάκα, CC BY-SA 4.0.
