γάτα
gáta/ˈɣa.ta/feminine
The English word cat is translated into Greek as γάτα (gáta) or γάτος.
Meaning: domestic species (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| γάτα | gáta | /ˈɣa.ta/ | feminine |
| γάτος | gátos | /ˈɣa.tos/ | masculine |
The word refers to the domestic species of cat. You can use γάτα to refer to a female cat or to talk about cats in general regardless of their sex.
Which one should you use?
The feminine form γάτα is used for a female cat or for general references to the species. The masculine form γάτος is used specifically to refer to a male cat.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the feminine γάτα is γάτες.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈɣa.ta/. It has 2 syllables and the stress is on the 1 of 2.
Did you know?
- In Greek slang, calling someone a γάτος (masculine) is a compliment used to describe a person as very attractive or 'hot'.
- The modern Greek terms γάτα and γάτος were borrowed from Latin rather than being developed from the Ancient Greek language.
- Ancient Greeks used the word αἴλουρος for cat, which is the origin of the English word 'ailurophile' used to describe a cat lover.
Examples in context
- Πού 'ναι η γάτα;Where's the cat?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of the γάτα.Tatoeba #5585835 by Zeus, translation #1664246 by Spamster
- Η γάτα πίνει γάλα.The cat drinks milk.This sentence is useful for describing what the γάτα is drinking.Tatoeba #1501455 by glavkos, translation #44564 by CM
- Έχω γάτα και σκύλο.I have a cat and a dog.This sentence is useful for stating ownership of a γάτα.Tatoeba #1562533 by glavkos, translation #28971 by CK
- Η γάτα παίζει με την μπάλα.The cat is playing with the ball.
- Ο γάτος κοιμάται στο ζεστό κρεβάτι.The cat is sleeping in the warm bed.
- Ο γατούλης είναι πολύ γλυκός και φιλικός.The cat is very sweet and friendly.
- 88 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Dimitris are talking about a pet they saw.
- Μαρία MariaΕίδες τη μικρή γάτα στο δρόμο;Eídes ti mikrí gáta sto drómo?Did you see the little cat on the street?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΝαι, η γάτα ήταν πολύ χαριτωμένη.Nai, i gáta ítan polý charitoméni.Yes, the cat was very cute.
- Μαρία MariaΘέλω να υιοθετήσω μια γάτα.Thélo na yiothetíso mia gáta.I want to adopt a cat.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΕίναι μια πολύ καλή ιδέα, Μαρία.Eínai mia polý kalí idéa, María.That is a very good idea, Maria.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cat” translations and entries γάτα, γάτος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries γάτα, γάτος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
