κόρη
kóri/ˈko.ɾi/feminine
The English word daughter is translated into Greek as κόρη (kóri) or θυγατέρα.
Meaning: female offspring (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| κόρη | kóri | /ˈko.ɾi/ | feminine |
| θυγατέρα | thygatéra | /θi.ɣaˈte.ra/ | feminine |
Both terms are used to refer to a female offspring. In everyday spoken Greek, the word κόρη is the most common way to refer to a daughter.
Which one should you use?
κόρη is the common choice for everyday speech, while θυγατέρα is a more formal or literary way to say daughter.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both κόρη and θυγατέρα are feminine nouns and follow feminine declension patterns.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of κόρη is /ˈko.ɾi/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The formal word θυγατέρα shares a common ancient ancestor with the English word 'daughter', as both come from the Proto-Indo-European root *dʰugh₂tḗr.
- In ancient Greek texts, the word κόρη was often used to mean 'maiden' or 'young woman' rather than just a specific familial relation.
- While κόρη is used for daughter, the word for 'girl' in modern Greek is κορίτσι. These words share the same root but have evolved into distinct parts of speech.
Examples in context
- Ο Τομ έχει κόρη.Tom has a daughter.This sentence shows the use of κόρη to indicate possession.Tatoeba #5523435 by Zeus, translation #4493721 by CK
- Αυτή είναι κόρη μου.She's my daughter.This sentence uses κόρη to identify a relationship.Tatoeba #2000185 by glavkos, translation #724401 by CM
- Ο κόρη της τηγάνιζε κρέας.Her daughter fried the meat.This sentence demonstrates the use of κόρη as a subject in a sentence.Tatoeba #2803680 by glavkos, translation #1570599 by fanty
- Η κόρη μου είναι πολύ έξυπνη.My daughter is very smart.
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Kostas are talking about their families.
- Μαρία MariaΈχεις παιδιά, Κώστα;Écheis pediá, Kósta?Do you have children, Kostas?
- Κώστας KostasΝαι, έχω μια κόρη.Nai, écho mia kóri.Yes, I have a daughter.
- Μαρία MariaΠόσο χρονών είναι η κόρη σου;Póso chronón einai i kóri sou?How old is your daughter?
- Κώστας KostasΕίναι πέντε χρονών.Einai pénte chronón.She is five years old.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “daughter” translations and entries κόρη, θυγατέρα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries θυγατέρα, κόρη, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
