σπηλιά
spiliáfeminine
The English word "cave" is translated into Greek as σπηλιά (spiliá). Wiktionary also lists σπήλαιο (spílaio).
Meaning: large, naturally occurring cavity formed underground (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| σπηλιά | spiliá | feminine |
| σπήλαιο | spílaio | neuter |
Both Greek words refer to a large, naturally occurring cavity formed underground.
Which one should you use?
While both mean cave, σπηλιά is the more common feminine form, whereas σπήλαιο is a neuter form often used in more technical or specific contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of the feminine form σπηλιά is σπηλιές.
How do you pronounce it?
spiliá
Did you know?
- Ancient Greek philosophers, particularly the followers of Plato, used the σπήλαιο as a central metaphor for the limitations of human perception and the nature of reality.
- The word σπηλιά shares its root with the English word 'spelunking', via the Latin 'spelunca' which was borrowed from the Ancient Greek σπήλαιον.
- In Greek folklore, certain σπηλιές are believed to be the dwelling places of 'drakontes' or dragons, serving as portals to the subterranean world.
Examples in context
- Αυτή είναι μια σπηλιά.This is a cave.This sentence is useful for identifying a cave with σπηλιά.Tatoeba #3225426 by Zeus, translation #2804142 by willthemiller
- Κοιμούνται μαζί σε σπηλιά ή σκηνή.They sleep together in a cave or a tent.This sentence is useful for describing sleeping in a cave with σπηλιά.Tatoeba #7800422 by eypros, translation #7799982 by sharris123
- "Τι συμβαίνει στη σπηλιά, Είμαι περίεργη." "Δεν έχω ιδέα.""What's going on in the cave? I'm curious." "I have no idea."This sentence is useful for asking about occurrences inside a cave with σπηλιά.Tatoeba #7854159 by janMiso, translation #1508 by CK
- Το μονοπάτι μας οδήγησε σε ένα όμορφο σπήλαιο.The trail led us to a beautiful cave.
- Ανακαλύψαμε αρχαίες εικόνες μέσα στο σπήλαιο.We discovered ancient paintings inside the cave.
- Εξερευνήσαμε μια παραλία με σκάλες και μικρά σπήλαια.We explored a beach with stairs and small caves.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are hiking in the mountains.
- Ελένη EleniΕκεί έχει μια πολύ μεγάλη σπηλιά.Ekei echei mia poly megalí speliá.There is a very large cave over there.
- Νίκος NikosΘέλεις να μπούμε μέσα στη σπηλιά;Theleis na bume mesa sti speliá;Do you want to go inside the cave?
- Ελένη EleniΝαι, ας την εξερευνήσουμε.Ne, as tin exereunisoume.Yes, let's explore it.
- Νίκος NikosΠροσοχή, η σπηλιά είναι σκοτεινή.Prosochi, i speliá einai skoteini.Be careful, the cave is dark.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cave” translations and entries σπηλιά, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries σπηλιά, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
