κέρμα
kérmaneuter
In Greek, the word for coin can be expressed as κέρμα (kérma) or νόμισμα.
Meaning: (currency) a piece of currency (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| κέρμα | kérma | neuter |
| νόμισμα | nómisma | neuter |
Both words refer to a piece of currency. κέρμα is commonly used when discussing a physical piece of metal, while νόμισμα can refer to currency in a more general or systemic sense.
Which one should you use?
κέρμα is the common, informal way to refer to a single physical coin. In contrast, νόμισμα is a more formal term used in economic or official contexts to refer to a coin or a unit of currency.
Is it said differently in some regions?
κέρμα is a regional variation for coin.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the neuter noun κέρμα is κέρματα. The plural form of the neuter noun νόμισμα is νομίσματα.
How do you pronounce it?
kérma
Did you know?
- Ancient Greek coins were often used as votive offerings, where a νόμισμα would be thrown into a sacred spring or temple to ensure a wish was granted.
- The English word 'numismatics', the study or collection of currency, is derived from the Greek word νόμισμα.
- The formal word for coin, νόμισμα, is actually derived from a root meaning 'to follow a custom' or 'to practice a habit'.
Examples in context
- Έβγαλε ένα κέρμα από την τσέπη του.He took a coin out of his pocket.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use κέρμα in a sentence.Tatoeba #5557441 by Zeus, translation #289805 by CK
- Το νόμισμα αυξήθηκε σε αξία.The coin increased in value.
- Βρήκα ένα κέρμα στο δρόμο.Vrìka éna kérma sto drómo.I found a coin on the street.
Example conversation
Anastasia and Nikos are at a vending machine.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΔεν έχω κέρμα για την μηχανή.Den ékho kérma gia tin michaní.I don't have a coin for the machine.
- Νίκος NikosΠερίμενε, Αναστασία, έχω εγώ ένα.Perímene, Anastasía, ékho egó éna.Wait, Anastasia, I have one.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΕυχαριστώ πολύ, Νίκο!Efcharistó polý, Níko!Thank you very much, Nikos!
- Νίκος NikosΠαρακαλώ, πάρε το κέρμα.Parakaló, páre to kérma.You're welcome, take the coin.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “coin” translations and entries κέρμα, νόμισμα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries νόμισμα, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
