κουνελάκι
kounelákineuter
In Greek, the word for bunny is κουνελάκι (kouneláki).
The word refers to a young rabbit.
Meaning: young rabbit (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
κουνελάκι is a diminutive of κουνέλι (rabbit), formed by adding the suffix -άκι to denote smallness or endearment, literally meaning "little rabbit".
How does it change in a sentence?
κουνελάκι is a neuter noun. The form κουνελάκι is used for both the nominative (subject) and the accusative (direct object) cases. The plural form is κουνελάκια.
How do you pronounce it?
kouneláki
When do people say it?
To say "Easter bunny", Greeks use the phrase πασχαλινό κουνελάκι, combining the adjective for Easter with the word for bunny.
Did you know?
- Although κουνέλι describes the animal, the Greek word for 'rabbit' is actually a loanword from the Latin 'cuniculus'.
- While κουνελάκι is used for the 'Easter bunny', the rabbit is not a traditional symbol of Greek Easter, as the red-dyed egg and the dove are more culturally central.
- Greek has another word for rabbit, λάγος, but this refers to the wild hare and is never used with the -άκι suffix to mean 'bunny' in the same way.
Examples in context
- πασχαλινό κουνελάκιEaster bunnyThis example shows how to say "Easter bunny" using κουνελάκι.
- αχ κουνελάκι, κουνελάκι, ξύλο που θα το φας μέσα στο ξένο περιβολάκι, τρύπες γιατί τρυπάςOh bunny, bunny, you are to be beaten because you are digging holes in a stranger's gardenThis example is a rhyme about a bunny digging holes in a garden, using κουνελάκι.
- Το μικρό κουνελάκι είναι πολύ γλυκό.The little bunny is very cute.
- Τα παιδιά λατρεύουν να παίζουν με λαγουδάκια.Kids love playing with bunnies.
- Αγόρασα ένα λαγουδάκι ως κατοικίδιο.I bought a bunny as a pet.
- Το κουνελάκι είναι πολύ γλυκό.To kounelaki einai poly glyko.The bunny is very sweet.
Example conversation
Dimitris and Eleni are at a pet store.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΘέλω να αγοράσω ένα κουνελάκι.Thélo na agoráso éna kouneláki.I want to buy a bunny.
- Ελένη EleniΕίναι πολύ χαριτωμένα αυτά!Eínai polý charitoména aftá!Those are very cute!
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΔες πώς τρώει το καρότο το κουνελάκι.Des pós tróei to karóto to kouneláki.Look at how the bunny is eating the carrot.
- Ελένη EleniΠραγματικά, είναι το πιο γλυκό!Pragmatiká, eínai to pio glykó!Truly, it is the sweetest one!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bunny” translations and entries κουνελάκι, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
