κούκλα
koúkla/ˈkukla/feminine
The Greek word for doll is κούκλα (koúkla).
κούκλα refers to a toy in the form of a human. In certain informal contexts, it can also be used as slang to refer to a beautiful woman, similar to how someone might be called a 'doll' in English.
Meaning: a toy in the form of a human (noun)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The slang usage of κούκλα to describe a beautiful woman is informal.
How does it change in a sentence?
κούκλα is a feminine noun. The plural form is κούκλες, and the genitive singular form (meaning 'of the doll') is της κούκλας.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is koúkla.
Did you know?
- The word κούκλα actually originates from the Latin word 'cuculla', meaning 'hood'.
- While 'doll' is a toy, using κούκλα to describe a woman is considered quite objectifying and can be perceived as patronizing depending on the setting.
- Ancient Greeks used dolls made of clay or wax, but they did not use the word κούκλα, as the term entered the language much later via Latin.
Examples in context
- Της έστειλα μια κούκλα.I sent her a doll.This sentence shows the use of the form κούκλα as an object.Tatoeba #5634170 by Zeus, translation #394777 by CK
- Αυτή είναι μια ιαπωνική κούκλα.This is a Japanese doll.This sentence demonstrates how to use κούκλα when describing the origin of the toy.Tatoeba #5429900 by Zeus, translation #281422 by CK
- Η κούκλα είναι πολύ όμορφη.I koudla einai poly omorfi.The doll is very beautiful.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dimitris is giving a birthday gift to Kyriaki's daughter.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΚοίτα, πήρα μια κούκλα για το παιδί σου.Koita, pira mia koukla gia to paidi sou.Look, I bought a doll for your child.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕυχαριστώ πολύ, Δημήτρη!Efcharisto poly, Dimitri!Thank you very much, Dimitris!
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΕλπίζω να της αρέσει η κούκλα.Elpizo na tis aresei i koukla.I hope she likes the doll.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕίμαι σίγουρη ότι θα την αγαπήσει.Eimai sigouri oti tha tin agapisei.I am sure she will love it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “doll” translations and entries κούκλα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries κούκλα, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
