σκύλος
skýlos/ˈsci.los/masculine
The Greek word for dog is 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 term refers to the animal (noun).
Which one should you use?
The masculine form σκύλος is more formal or technical, often used in scientific or biological contexts, whereas the neuter form σκυλί is the common way to refer to a pet. The neuter form σκυλί is the standard, colloquial way to refer to a dog in everyday conversation, similar to saying 'doggy' or just a more affectionate 'dog' in English.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of the masculine σκύλος is σκύλοι. The plural of the neuter σκυλί is σκυλιά.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is skýlos. It has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1 of 2 syllable.
Did you know?
- In Greek, calling someone a σκύλος is a harsh insult, often implying the person is shameless or has low moral character.
- The word σκυλί has a cognate in the Greek dialect spoken in Ukraine, where it is written as шклы in the Cyrillic alphabet.
- If you want to be even more affectionate, you can use σκυλάκι, which adds the diminutive suffix to the already informal σκυλί.
Examples in context
- Έχασα το σκυλί μου.I lost my dog.This sentence is useful for using the form σκυλί to talk about losing a pet.Tatoeba #5597726 by Zeus, translation #2380189 by CK
- Το σκυλί είναι νεκρό.The dog is dead.This sentence is useful for using the form σκυλί to describe a dog's state.Tatoeba #5593080 by Zeus, translation #508844 by kebukebu
- Το σκυλί είναι άσπρο.The dog is white.This sentence is useful for using the form σκυλί to describe a dog's color.Tatoeba #5613372 by Zeus, translation #526365 by wma
- 117 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kyriaki and Giorgos are walking in a park.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΚόιτα τον σκύλο εκεί!Koíta ton skýlo eké!Look at that dog over there!
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕίναι πολύ μεγάλος σκύλος.Eínai polý megálos skýlos.It is a very big dog.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΠιστεύεις ότι είναι φιλικός;Pisteúeis óti eínai filikós?Do you think it is friendly?
- Γιώργος GiorgosΝαι, φαίνεται πολύ χαρούμενος.Nai, faínetai polý charúmenos.Yes, it looks very happy.
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.
