αυτοκίνητο
aftokínito[a.ftoˈki.ni.to]neuter
The Greek word for car is αυτοκίνητο (aftokínito). Wiktionary also lists αμάξι (amáxi).
Meaning: automobile, a vehicle steered by a driver (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| αυτοκίνητο | aftokínito | [a.ftoˈki.ni.to] (narrow) | neuter |
| αμάξι | amáxi | neuter |
The term refers to an automobile or a vehicle steered by a driver.
What does it mean word for word?
The word αυτοκίνητο is a compound formed from αυτο- meaning self and -κίνητο meaning moving, literally translating to self-moving.
Which one should you use?
While αυτοκίνητο is the standard term, αμάξι is a very common colloquial way to say car.
How does it change in a sentence?
αυτοκίνητο is a neuter noun. Its genitive plural form is αυτοκινήτων. The colloquial form αμάξι is also neuter, and its plural is αμάξια.
How do you pronounce it?
aftokínito
Did you know?
- In Ancient Greece, the word αυτοκίνητος was used to describe things like the stars or gods, rather than machines.
- The word αμάξι originally referred to a carriage or a cart pulled by animals, long before engines existed.
- The word for driver, οδηγός, is the exact same word used for a 'guide' or 'tour guide' in Greek.
Examples in context
- Θα 'μαι στο αμάξι.I'll be in the car.This sentence shows how to use the colloquial form αμάξι.Tatoeba #5422592 by Zeus, translation #5386168 by CK
- Μείνε στο αμάξι σου.Stay in your car.This sentence uses the colloquial form αμάξι.Tatoeba #5371082 by Zeus, translation #5366675 by CK
- Λατρεύω τ' αμάξι σου.I love your car.Tatoeba #5480498 by Zeus, translation #1164105 by Chrikaru
- Χρειάζομαι ένα αυτοκίνητο για την εκδρομή μας.I need a car for our trip.
- Μετά το φαγητό, πάμε να πάρουμε το αμάξι για να πάμε στην παραλία.After lunch, let's go and get the car to go to the beach.
- Ξέρεις πού έχω παρκάρει το αυτοκίνητο μου;Do you know where I've parked my car?
- 180 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Georgios and Kyriaki are standing in a parking lot.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΠού είναι το αυτοκίνητο;Pou einai to aftokinito;Where is the car?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΤο αυτοκίνητό σου είναι εκεί.To aftokinito sou einai ekei.Your car is over there.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕυχαριστώ, Κυριακή.Efcharisto, Kyriaki.Thank you, Kyriaki.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΠαρακαλώ, Γιώργο.Parakalo, Giorgo.You're welcome, Georgios.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “car” translations and entries αυτοκίνητο, αμάξι, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
