κοριός
koriósmasculine
The Greek word for bug is κοριός (koriós). Wiktionary also lists ζωύφιο (zoýfio) and ζουζούνι (zouzoúni).
Meaning: a colloquial name for various arthropods and other similar creeping creatures (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| κοριός | koriós | masculine | |
| ζωύφιο | zoýfio | /zoˈi.fi.o/ | neuter |
| ζουζούνι | zouzoúni | neuter |
The terms used in Greek refer to various arthropods and other similar creeping creatures.
Which one should you use?
ζωύφιο is an informal way to describe small, often unpleasant, creeping creatures or insects, whereas ζουζούνι is a cute or diminutive way to refer to a bug, often used when speaking to children.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
koriós
Did you know?
- Greek lacks a single word that covers both 'insect' and 'software bug', requiring different terms for biological and technical glitches.
- The word ζουζούνι is an onomatopoeia that mimics the buzzing or humming sound an insect makes. It is often used by Greek parents as a term of endearment for small children, much like 'little bug' or 'sweetie' in English.
- The term ζωύφιο is a diminutive of ζῷον, which is the root of the English word 'zoology'.
Examples in context
- Προσέξτε τα έντομα στον κήπο.Pay attention to the bugs in the garden.
Example conversation
Nikos and Maria are in the kitchen.
- Νίκος NikosΜαρία, κοίτα! Ένας κοριός στο τραπέζι.María, koíta! Enas koriós sto trapézi.Maria, look! A bug on the table.
- Μαρία MariaΠού είναι. Δεν βλέπω τίποτα.Pou eínai? Den vlépo típota.Where is it? I don't see anything.
- Νίκος NikosΔίπλα στο φλιτζάνι σου.Dípla sto flitzáni sou.Next to your cup.
- Μαρία MariaΦου, φύγε μακριά, κοριέ!Phou, fýge makriá, korié!Shoo, go away, bug!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bug” translations and entries κοριός, ζωύφιο, ζουζούνι, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ζουζούνι, ζωύφιο, κοριός, CC BY-SA 4.0.
