ελέφαντας
eléfantasmasculine
The Greek word for elephant is ελέφαντας (eléfantas).
ελέφαντας refers to the mammal known as an elephant.
Meaning: mammal (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is a masculine noun. The plural form is οι ελέφαντες. When ελέφαντας is used as the direct object of a sentence, it changes to the accusative form ελέφαντα.
How do you pronounce it?
eléfantas
Did you know?
- The Greek word ελέφαντας is the direct source for the medical term 'elephantiasis', which describes skin swelling that resembles the wrinkled skin of an elephant.
- Ancient Greeks believed elephants were symbols of strength and wisdom, and they were famously used by Pyrrhus of Epirus in battles against Rome.
- The word ελέφαντας shares the same root as 'ivory'. In Ancient Greek, ἐλέφας referred to both the animal and the material of its tusks.
Examples in context
- Ο ελέφαντας είναι γκρίζος.The elephant is gray.This sentence shows how to describe the color of the ελέφαντας.Tatoeba #11150932 by carlosalberto, translation #11150931 by carlosalberto
- Ο μέσος ελέφαντας είναι χοντρός.The average elephant is fat.This sentence uses ελέφαντας to describe an average animal's weight.Tatoeba #11180197 by carlosalberto, translation #11180196 by carlosalberto
- Ο ελέφαντας είναι μεγάλος και δυνατός.The elephant is big and strong.This sentence uses ελέφαντας to describe an animal's size and strength.Tatoeba #11664458 by carlosalberto, translation #11664451 by carlosalberto
Example conversation
Dimitris and Anastasia are at the zoo.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΚοίτα, Αναστασία! Εκεί είναι ο ελέφαντας.Koíta, Anastasía! Ekí eínai o eléfantas.Look, Anastasia! The elephant is over there.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΕίναι πραγματικά τεράστιος!Eínai pragmatiká terástios!He is truly huge!
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΜου αρέσει πολύ ο ελέφαντας.Mou arései polý o eléfantas.I like the elephant very much.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΚι εμένα μου αρέσει.Ki eména mou arései.I like him too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “elephant” translations and entries ελέφαντας, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ελέφαντας, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
