σκύλος
skýlos/ˈsci.los/masculine
The English phrase dog is translated into Greek as σκύλος (skýlos). Wiktionary also lists σκυλί (skylí).
Meaning: animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| σκύλος | skýlos | /ˈsci.los/ | masculine |
| σκυλί | skylí | /sciˈli/ | neuter |
The word refers to the animal.
Which one should you use?
The masculine form σκύλος is more formal or technical, whereas the neuter form σκυλί is the common way to refer to a pet or a dog in a general, affectionate sense. The neuter form σκυλί is the standard word used by most Greeks when talking about their own pet or a dog in a casual context.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of the masculine form σκύλος is σκύλοι. The plural of the common neuter form σκυλί is σκυλιά.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈsci.los/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In Greek, the word σκύλος is sometimes used as a harsh insult to describe a person who is perceived as mean or treacherous.
- The common word σκυλί began as a diminutive form in Byzantine Greek, meaning a 'small dog' or 'puppy', before it became the standard way to refer to dogs in general.
- If you want to make the word even more cute, you can use σκυλάκι, which adds an extra layer of endearment.
Examples in context
- Έχασα το σκυλί μου.I lost my dog.This sentence is useful for describing the loss of a pet using the form σκυλί.Tatoeba #5597726 by Zeus, translation #2380189 by CK
- Το σκυλί είναι νεκρό.The dog is dead.This sentence is useful for describing the state of a pet using the form σκυλί.Tatoeba #5593080 by Zeus, translation #508844 by kebukebu
- Το σκυλί είναι άσπρο.The dog is white.This sentence is useful for describing the color of a pet using the form σκυλί.Tatoeba #5613372 by Zeus, translation #526365 by wma
- Παρακαλώ, μεταφέρετε τον σκύλο σας από το δωμάτιο.Please, remove your dog from the room.
- 117 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and George are walking in a park.
- Μαρία MariaΚόιτα τον μεγάλο σκύλο εκεί!Koíta ton megálo skýlo eké!Look at the big dog over there!
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕίναι πολύ όμορφος σκύλος.Eínai polý ómorfos skýlos.He is a very beautiful dog.
- Μαρία MariaΘέλεις να τον χαϊδέψουμε;Thélis na ton chaidépsoume?Do you want to pet him?
- Γιώργος GiorgosΝαι, αν ο σκύλος είναι φιλικός.Nai, an o skýlos eínai filikós.Yes, if the dog is friendly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dog” translations and entries σκύλος, σκυλί, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries σκυλί, σκύλος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
