αυτιά
aftia
The English word "ears" is αυτιά (aftia) in Greek.
αυτιά refers to the organs on the sides of the head used for hearing. It is also used in several common idioms. The idiom οι τοίχοι έχουν αυτιά (the walls have ears) serves as a warning that someone might be eavesdropping. Additionally, the expression είμαι όλος αυτιά (to be all ears) is used to express that someone is listening very intently.
How does it change in a sentence?
αυτιά is a neuter plural noun. If you need to say "of the ear", the singular form αυτιού is used in the genitive case.
How do you pronounce it?
aftia
Did you know?
- In Greek medical contexts, you will encounter the term ώτα instead of αυτιά when referring to the anatomical structure of the ear.
- The word αυτιά is a neuter noun, which means its article is τα rather than the masculine οι or feminine οι used for other body parts.
- Because αυτιά is a neuter noun, the adjective used to describe it must also change to match, which is a common pitfall for English speakers.
Examples in context
- Οι τοίχοι έχουν αυτιά.The walls have ears.This sentence demonstrates the idiom meaning that someone might be eavesdropping.Tatoeba #2466870 by Zeus, translation #2376 by kurteago
- Ο Τομ είναι όλος αυτιά.Tom is all ears.This sentence shows how to express that someone is listening very intently.Tatoeba #5413303 by Zeus, translation #2272907 by CK
- Και οι τοίχοι έχουν αυτιά.Walls have ears.This sentence provides another way to use the idiom regarding eavesdropping.Tatoeba #5518119 by Zeus, translation #1290848 by Eldad
- Μην τραβάς από το αυτί μου!Don't pull my ear!
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Giorgos are talking about a new pair of headphones.
- Μαρία MariaΑυτά τα ακουστικά πιέζουν τα αυτιά μου.Autá ta akoustiká piézoun ta autiá mou.These headphones are pressing on my ears.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΜπορείς να τα φτιάξεις λίγο.Boréis na ta ftiáxeis lígo.You can adjust them a bit.
- Μαρία MariaΤώρα είναι καλύτερα τα αυτιά μου.Tóra eínai kalýtera ta autiá mou.Now my ears feel better.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΧαίρομαι που σε βοήθησα, Μαρία.Chaíromai pou se voíthisa, María.I'm glad I helped you, Maria.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
