αριθμομηχανή
arithmomichaní/a.ɾi.θmo.mi.xaˈni/feminine
The Greek word for calculator is αριθμομηχανή (arithmomichaní). If unsure, use αριθμομηχανή. Wiktionary also lists κομπιουτεράκι (kompiouteráki).
Meaning: electronic device that performs mathematical calculations (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| αριθμομηχανή | arithmomichaní | /a.ɾi.θmo.mi.xaˈni/ | feminine |
| κομπιουτεράκι | kompiouteráki | colloquial, neuter |
The term refers to an electronic device used to perform mathematical calculations.
What does it mean word for word?
The word αριθμομηχανή is a compound made of αριθμός, meaning number and μηχανή, meaning machine.
Which one should you use?
αριθμομηχανή is the standard term, while κομπιουτεράκι is a colloquial way to refer to a calculator by using a diminutive form of the word for computer.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
κομπιουτεράκι is colloquial.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the standard word αριθμομηχανή is αριθμομηχανές.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced arithmomichaní (/a.ɾi.θmo.mi.xaˈni/). It has 6 syllables and the stress is on the 6th syllable.
Did you know?
- The Greek language uses the word μηχανή to describe the 'mechanism' of a plot in a play, mirroring the 'deus ex machina' tradition.
- If you use the diminutive κομπιουτεράκι in a shop, the clerk might actually try to sell you a small laptop or a handheld computer instead of a simple math device.
- The component μηχανή is also used in Greek to refer to an engine, meaning the word for calculator contains the same root used for a car's motor.
Examples in context
- Οι φοιτητές επιτρέπεται να χρησιμοποιήσουν κομπιουτεράκι κατά τη διάρκεια του διαγωνίσματος.Students are allowed to use a calculator during the test.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use the colloquial form κομπιουτεράκι in the context of a student exam.Tatoeba #10053010 by Nylez, translation #10121333 by Nylez
- Χρησιμοποίησα τον υπολογιστή για να επιλύσω το μαθηματικό πρόβλημα.I used the calculator to solve the math problem.
- Δανείστηκα την αριθμομηχανή του φίλου μου για να κάνω μια πολύπλοκη υπολογιστική διαδικασία.I borrowed my friend's calculator to perform a complex computational procedure.
- Χρειάζομαι μια αριθμομηχανή για το μάθημα.Chreiazomai mia arithmomechini gia to mathima.I need a calculator for the lesson.
- Η αριθμομηχανή μου δεν έχει μπαταρία.I arithmomechini mou den echei bataria.My calculator has no battery.
Example conversation
Nikos is studying in a cafe and asks Anastasia for help.
- Νίκος NikosΑναστασία, έχεις μια αριθμομηχανή;Anastasia, echeis mia arithmomechini;Anastasia, do you have a calculator?
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΝαι, έχω μια εδώ στο τραπέζι.Ne, eho mia edo sto trapezi.Yes, I have one here on the table.
- Νίκος NikosΣε ευχαριστώ πολύ για τη βοήθεια.Se efcharisto poli gia ti voithia.Thank you very much for the help.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΠαρακαλώ, μην ανησυχείς.Parakalo, min anisicheis.You're welcome, don't worry.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “calculator” translations and entries αριθμομηχανή, κομπιουτεράκι, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
