καβούρι
kavoúrineuter
The English word 'crab' is translated into Greek as καβούρι (kavoúri) or καρκίνος.
Meaning: crustacean (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| καβούρι | kavoúri | neuter | |
| καρκίνος | karkínos | /karˈci.nos/ | masculine |
Both words refer to the crustacean, but they are used in different contexts. καβούρι is the standard term for the animal in everyday conversation and when talking about it as food.
Which one should you use?
καβούρι is the common term for the animal and its culinary use, while καρκίνος is a more formal or scientific term that is also used to refer to the zodiac sign Cancer.
How does it change in a sentence?
The neuter noun καβούρι uses the genitive form καβουριού to indicate possession. The masculine noun καρκίνος uses the genitive form καρκίνου to indicate possession.
How do you pronounce it?
kavoúri
Did you know?
- The formal word καρκίνος is also the Greek word for 'cancer' as a medical disease. This is because the ancient Greeks thought the swollen veins of a tumor looked like the legs of a καρκίνος.
- In Greek mythology, the goddess Hera sent a giant καρκίνος to distract Heracles during his fight with the Lernaean Hydra. Zeus placed the crab in the sky as the constellation Cancer to honor its loyalty.
- Ancient Greek writers used καρκίνος to describe a specific type of 'crab-like' poetry or prose where the structure is mirrored or reads backwards.
Examples in context
- Δεν μπορείς να διδάξεις ένα καβούρι να περπατάει ευθεία.You can't teach a crab how to walk straight.This sentence uses καβούρι to illustrate a metaphorical comparison.Tatoeba #2810901 by mululatv, translation #1107540 by Scott
- Τι είναι ένα καβούρι;What is a crab?This sentence is a simple way to ask for a definition of καβούρι.Tatoeba #11155749 by carlosalberto, translation #11155747 by carlosalberto
- Είδαμε ένα μεγάλο καβούρι στην άμμο.Eidame ena megalo kavouri stin ammo.We saw a big crab on the sand.
Example conversation
Elene and Nikos are at the beach.
- Ελένη EleniΚοίτα, Νίκο, ένα μικρό καβούρι στην άμμο!Koíta, Níko, éna mikró kavoúri stin ámmo!Look, Nikos, a small crab in the sand!
- Νίκος NikosΠού είναι. Δεν το βλέπω.Poú eínai, Den to vlépo.Where is it? I don't see it.
- Ελένη EleniΕδώ είναι, δίπλα στο κύμα.Edó eínai, dípla sto kýma.It is here, next to the wave.
- Νίκος NikosΕίναι πολύ γρήγορο αυτό το καβούρι!Eínai polý grígoro aftó to kavoúri!This crab is very fast!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “crab” translations and entries καβούρι, καρκίνος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
