Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| πόρτα | pórta | /ˈpor.ta/ | feminine |
| εξώπορτα | exóporta | feminine | |
| εξώθυρα | exóthyra | feminine | |
| αυλόπορτα | avlóporta | feminine |
The terms in this list describe door-like structures located outside. πύλη is commonly used for large gates, such as those leading to historical sites or entrances to monumental buildings. You can also use αυτοματοποιημένη πύλη to refer to an automated gate. If you are talking about a fence, the word is κάγκελο and a sliding gate is called a συρόμενη πόρτα.
Which one should you use?
While πόρτα refers to a standard door, εξώπορτα specifically refers to an outer door or gate of a house or property. Furthermore, αυλόπορτα specifically refers to a gate leading into a yard or courtyard, whereas εξώπορτα is a more general term for an outer gate.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the feminine noun πόρτα is πόρτες.
How do you pronounce it?
The word πόρτα is pronounced /ˈpor.ta/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The Greek word πόρτα was borrowed from the Latin 'porta'. This is unusual because Greek often uses its own ancient roots for basic architectural terms.
- In Greek, the term for a 'gate' is often used metaphorically to describe a transition in life. For example, the 'gates of Hades' is a recurring motif in Greek mythology and literature.
- The word πύλη is also the term used in modern Greek for an airport 'gate' where passengers board planes.
Examples in context
- Η πύλη του λαού, που οδηγεί στην αρχαία αγορά, είναι εντυπωσιακή.The gate of the people, leading to the ancient marketplace, is impressive.
- Όλοι συγκεντρώθηκαν έξω από την πόρτα του σχολείου.Everyone gathered outside the school gate.
- Το συγκρότημα έχει αυτοματοποιημένη πύλη για αυξημένη ασφάλεια.The complex has an automated gate for enhanced security.
- Η μεγάλη πόρτα είναι ανοιχτή.I megáli pórta eínai anoichtí.The big gate is open.
- Κλείσε την πόρτα του κήπου.Klíse tin pórta tou kípou.Close the garden gate.
Example conversation
Eleni and Kostas are arriving at a house.
- Ελένη EleniΚώστα, έχεις το κλειδί για την πόρτα;Kosta, echeis to kleidi gia tin porta?Kostas, do you have the key for the gate?
- Κώστας KostasΝαι, είναι στην τσέπη μου.Nai, einai stin tsepi mou.Yes, it is in my pocket.
- Ελένη EleniΆνοιξε την πόρτα τότε.Anoixe tin porta tote.Open the gate then.
- Κώστας KostasΟρίστε, μπορείς να περάσεις.Oriste, boreis na peraseis.Here you go, you can come through.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gate” translations and entries πόρτα, εξώπορτα, αυλόπορτα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries πόρτα, CC BY-SA 4.0.
