κρύο
krýo/ˈkɾi.o/
The Greek word for cold is κρύο (krýo).
κρύο is used to describe something having a low temperature. It can function as an adjective or as a neuter noun meaning 'the cold' (the low temperature itself). When specifically describing the weather being cold, Greek speakers use the phrase κάνει κρύο rather than using the verb 'to be'.
Meaning: having a low temperature (adj)
Which one should you use?
κρύο is the neuter form of the adjective and can also be used as a noun. If you are describing a masculine noun, you would use κρύος.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective for cold changes its gender to match the noun it describes: use κρύος for masculine nouns and κρύα for neuter nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as krýo. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
When talking about the weather, avoid saying 'it is cold' using the verb 'to be'. Instead, use the phrase κάνει κρύο.
Did you know?
- If you want to say 'the cold' as a concept, you use the neuter noun κρύο, but if you are describing a person with a cold, you would use different terminology entirely.
- The word κρύο shares the same ancient root as the English word 'cryogenic', which relates to very low temperatures.
- When ordering a drink, if you want it 'cold', you might use κρύο, but if you want it 'iced', you would use the word με πάγο, as there is no single adjective for 'iced' that mirrors the English usage.
Examples in context
- Το νερό ήταν κρύο.The water was cold.This sentence shows how to use κρύο to describe the temperature of water in the past tense.Tatoeba #5438422 by Zeus, translation #1984002 by Spamster
- Το νερό είναι κρύο.The water is cold.This sentence shows how to use κρύο to describe the temperature of water in the present tense.Tatoeba #5438421 by Zeus, translation #1984003 by Spamster
- Κάνει πολύ κρύο εδώ.It's very cold here.This sentence demonstrates the common weather expression using κρύο.Tatoeba #2858153 by glavkos, translation #2713677 by CK
- Η θάλασσα είναι πολύ ψυχρή σήμερα.The sea is very cold today.
- Ο καιρός είναι πολύ κρύος σήμερα.The weather is very cold today.
- Φοράω ένα παλτό, γιατί έξω έχει κρύο!I'm wearing a coat because it's cold outside!
- Γλυκέ μου, έξω είναι παγωνιά!Honey, it's freezing outside!
- 30 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nikos and Maria are sitting in a cafe near an open window.
- Νίκος NikosΜαρία, είναι κρύο εδώ;María, eínai krío edó;Maria, is it cold here?
- Μαρία MariaΝαι, Νίκο, είναι πολύ κρύο.Nai, Níko, eínai polý krío.Yes, Nikos, it is very cold.
- Νίκος NikosΘέλεις να κλείσω το παράθυρο;Théleis na klíso to paráthyro;Do you want me to close the window?
- Μαρία MariaΠαρακαλώ, ευχαριστώ πολύ.Parakaló, efcharistó polý.Please, thank you very much.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry κρύο, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries κρύο, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
