κλόουν
klóoun/ˈkloun/masculine
The English word "clown" can be translated into Greek as κλόουν (klóoun), παλιάτσος or γελωτοποιός.
Meaning: performance artist working in a circus (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| κλόουν | klóoun | /ˈkloun/ | masculine |
| παλιάτσος | paliátsos | /paˈʎatsos/ | masculine |
| γελωτοποιός | gelotopoiós | /ʝelotopiˈos/ | masculine |
All three forms refer to a performance artist working in a circus.
What does it mean word for word?
The term γελωτοποιός is derived from the concept of making people laugh, literally meaning 'one who makes people laugh'.
Which one should you use?
κλόουν is a direct loanword from English. παλιάτσος is the traditional Greek word used for a clown or a buffoon. γελωτοποιός is a more formal or literary term, often used to describe a jester or a professional comedian.
How does it change in a sentence?
All three forms are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is klóoun.
Did you know?
- The word παλιάτσος comes from the Italian word pagliaccio, which is derived from paglia, meaning 'straw'. This refers to the straw-stuffed costumes early clowns wore for protection during falls.
- While παλιάτσος describes a circus performer, it is frequently used as a harsh insult to call someone a 'fool' or a 'joke' in a social or professional setting.
Examples in context
- Ο πρωθυπουργός είναι ο μεγαλύτερος κλόουν της πολιτικής.The prime minister is the biggest clown in politics.This sentence shows how κλόουν can be used metaphorically to criticize a political figure.
- Κάθε γράμμα έχει επάνω ένα χαμογελαστό κλόουν.Every letter has a smiling clown on it.This sentence illustrates the use of κλόουν in a descriptive context.Tatoeba #9208450 by Nylez, translation #9446175 by Nylez
Example conversation
A couple is discussing their plans for the weekend at home.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΘέλεις να πάμε στο τσίρκο αύριο;Theleis na pame sto circo avrio?Do you want to go to the circus tomorrow?
- Κώστας KostasΝαι, μου αρέσει πολύ ο κλόουν!Nai, mou aresei poly o kloun!Yes, I like the clown very much!
- Κυριακή KyriakiΤότε θα αγοράσω τα εισιτήρια τώρα.Tote tha agoraso ta isitiria tora.Then I will buy the tickets now.
- Κώστας KostasΤέλεια, Κυριακή, θα γίνει πολύ ωραία!Teleia, Kyriaki, tha ginei poly oraia!Great, Kyriaki, it will be wonderful!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “clown” translations and entries κλόουν, παλιάτσος, γελωτοποιός, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries γελωτοποιός, κλόουν, παλιάτσος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
