Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| γάιδαρος | gáidaros | /ˈɣai̯.ða.ɾos/ | masculine |
| γαϊδούρα | gaïdoúra | /ɣajˈðu.ɾa/ | feminine |
| γαϊδούρι | gaïdoúri | /ɣajˈðuɾi/ | neuter, alternative form |
| όνος | ónos | /ˈonos/ | archaic, feminine, formal, masculine |
The terms in this pack are all used to refer to the domestic animal, also known as an ass.
Which one should you use?
The forms differ based on the gender of the animal and the level of formality. γάιδαρος is the standard masculine form, while γαϊδούρα is used for a female donkey. The neuter form γαϊδούρι acts as a diminutive to refer to a small donkey or a baby donkey. The form όνος is an archaic and formal alternative.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
γάιδαρος is the most commonly used informal term. In contrast, όνος is the standard formal way to say donkey in Greek.
How does it change in a sentence?
γαϊδούρα is the feminine form used specifically to refer to a female donkey. The neuter form γαϊδούρι is a diminutive form.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as gáidaros. The emphasis is on the first of the three syllables.
Did you know?
- Calling someone a γαϊδούρι is a common insult in Greek, used to describe a person who is stubborn, clumsy or foolish.
- The common word γάιδαρος might actually have Arabic roots, possibly linked to a word meaning 'harshness' or 'oppression'.
- The formal term όνος is a direct descendant of the Ancient Greek word for donkey, making it one of the few terms that has remained virtually unchanged for thousands of years.
Examples in context
- Ο γάιδαρος μου είναι πιο γρήγορος από το αυτοκίνητό σου.My donkey is faster than your car.This sentence is useful for practicing the masculine form γάιδαρος.Tatoeba #11632696 by carlosalberto, translation #11632680 by carlosalberto
- Ο όνος είναι ένα έξυπνο και φιλικό ζώοThe donkey is a smart and friendly animal
- Ο γαϊδάρος είναι το αγαπημένο μου ζώοThe donkey is my favorite animal
- Ο γάιδαρος τρώει το φρέσκο χόρτο.O gáidaros tróei to frésco hórto.The donkey is eating the fresh grass.
Example conversation
Anastasia and Giorgos are visiting a farm.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΚόιτα, Γιώργο, τι ωραίος γάιδαρος!Koita, Giorgo, ti oraios gaidaros!Look, Giorgos, what a beautiful donkey!
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕίναι πράγματι πολύ μεγάλος.Einai pragmati poly megalos.It really is very big.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΜπορούμε να τον ταΐσουμε;Boroume na ton taisoume?Can we feed him?
- Γιώργος GiorgosΠρέπει να ρωτήσουμε τον ιδιοκτήτη.Prepei na rotisoume ton idiotiti.We have to ask the owner.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “donkey” translations and entries γάιδαρος, γαϊδούρα, γαϊδούρι, όνος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries γάιδαρος, γαϊδούρα, γαϊδούρι, όνος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
