μαγειρεύω
mageirévo/ma.ʝiˈɾe.vo/
In Greek, the verb for 'to cook' is μαγειρεύω (mageirévo). Wiktionary also lists παρασκευάζω (paraskevázo).
Meaning: to prepare food for eating (verb)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| μαγειρεύω | mageirévo | /ma.ʝiˈɾe.vo/ |
| παρασκευάζω | paraskevázo | /pa.ɾa.sceˈva.zo/ |
The verb is used to describe the act of preparing food for eating. Related to this, μαγειρική refers to the art or skill of cooking itself.
Which one should you use?
While μαγειρεύω specifically refers to cooking food with heat, παρασκευάζω is a broader term meaning 'to prepare' or 'to manufacture'. While παρασκευάζω can be used for food, it is also used for non-food items like documents or materials.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form μαγειρεύω is the first-person singular present indicative, meaning 'I cook'. The third-person singular present indicative is μαγειρεύει, meaning 'he/she/it cooks'.
How do you pronounce it?
mageirévo. The stressed syllable is the 3rd of 4.
Did you know?
- In modern Greek, the word μαγειρεύω can be used metaphorically to mean 'to fake' or 'to cook the books' when referring to financial records.
- The verb μαγειρεύω shares its roots with the ancient profession of a butcher. In the Hellenistic period, the term was used by those who prepared meat for consumption.
- The root of παρασκευάζω is related to the word σκεύος, which means 'vessel' or 'tool', suggesting that preparing food is fundamentally about using the right equipment.
Examples in context
- Το χόμπι μου είναι να μαγειρεύω.My hobby is to cook.This sentence uses μαγειρεύω to express a personal hobby.Tatoeba #2365819 by mululatv, translation #251152 by Lumi
- Μαγειρεύω κάθε μέρα.I cook daily.This sentence uses μαγειρεύω to describe a daily activity.Tatoeba #13684281 by ninefi, translation #13683943 by Babelball
- Η μαγείρισσα επιμελείται της κουζίνας του εστιατορίου.The female cook takes care of the restaurant's kitchen.
- Ο μάγειρας φτιάχνει πάντα νόστιμα πιάτα.The cook always makes delicious dishes.
- Μαγειρεύω κάτι νόστιμο απόψε.Mageirevo kati nostimo apopse.I am cooking something delicious tonight.
Example conversation
Maria and Nikos are discussing dinner plans at home.
- Μαρία MariaΝίκο, θέλεις να μαγειρεύω εγώ σήμερα;Níko, théleis na magireúvo egó símera?Nikos, do you want me to cook today?
- Νίκος NikosΝαι, θα ήταν πολύ ωραίο!Nai, tha ítan polý óraio!Yes, that would be very nice!
- Μαρία MariaΤι θα ήθελες να φάμε;Ti tha ítheles na fáme?What would you like to eat?
- Νίκος NikosΌ,τι θέλεις εσύ, Μαρία.Ó,ti théleis esý, María.Whatever you want, Maria.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cook” translations and entries μαγειρεύω, παρασκευάζω, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries μαγειρεύω, παρασκευάζω, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
