ρολόι
rolói/ɾoˈlo.i/neuter
The English word clock is translated into Greek as ρολόι (rolói). If unsure, use ρολόι. Wiktionary also lists ωρολόγιο (orológio).
Meaning: instrument to measure or keep track of time (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ρολόι | rolói | /ɾoˈlo.i/ | neuter |
| ωρολόγιο | orológio | neuter, obsolete |
The word ρολόι refers to an instrument used to measure or keep track of time. In Greek, this single word is used for both a wall clock and a wristwatch.
Which one should you use?
While ρολόι is the common term, the form ωρολόγιο is considered obsolete.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a neuter noun, the plural of ρολόι is ρολόια.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of ρολόι is /ɾoˈlo.i/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd of 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- Ancient Greek 'water clocks' were called κλεψύδρα, a word that literally means 'water thief'.
- The word ρολόι is a linguistic survivor that underwent a process called aphesis, where the initial syllable of the Ancient Greek word ὡρολόγιον was dropped over centuries.
- In Greek, you can use the word ρολόι to describe both a ticking clock and a timer.
Examples in context
- Το ρολόι δε δουλεύει.The clock is not working.This sentence is useful for saying that the ρολόι is not working.Tatoeba #5378261 by Zeus, translation #5378207 by CC
- Το ρολόι στο Λονδίνο ονομάζεται «Μπιγκ Μπεν».The clock tower in London is called 'Big Ben'.This sentence uses ρολόι to refer to the clock tower in London.
- Το ρολόι σταμάτησε να δουλεύει και χρειάζεται επισκευή.The clock stopped working and needs repair.This sentence describes a ρολόι that has stopped working and needs repair.
- Κοιτάξτε το ρολόι σας για να δείτε την ώρα.Look at your clock to see the time.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Dimitris are in the living room.
- Μαρία MariaΔες, το νέο ρολόι στον τοίχο.Des, to neo roloi ston ticho.Look, the new clock on the wall.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΕίναι πολύ όμορφο, Μαρία.Ine poly omorfo, Maria.It is very beautiful, Maria.
- Μαρία MariaΤο αγόρασα χθες στο κατάστημα.To agorisa chthes sto katastima.I bought it yesterday at the shop.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΤαιριάζει τέλεια στο σπίτι μας.Tiriazi teleia sto spiti mas.It fits our house perfectly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “clock” translations and entries ρολόι, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ρολόι, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
