πολύτιμος λίθος
polýtimos líthosmasculine
The English phrase "gem" can be translated into Greek as πολύτιμος λίθος (polýtimos líthos). If unsure, use πολύτιμος λίθος. Wiktionary also lists πετράδι (petrádi).
Meaning: precious stone (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| πολύτιμος λίθος | polýtimos líthos | masculine |
| πετράδι | petrádi | neuter |
The term refers to a precious stone.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase πολύτιμος λίθος is composed of the adjective πολύτιμος (precious or valuable) and the noun λίθος (stone).
Which one should you use?
πολύτιμος λίθος is the standard, descriptive term for a gem. In contrast, πετράδι is a more colloquial or diminutive term used for a small stone or pebble.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of πολύτιμος λίθος is πολύτιμοι λίθοι.
How do you pronounce it?
polýtimos líthos
Did you know?
- Although πετράδι can mean a small stone, it is often used affectionately in Greek to describe a small child or something cute and compact.
- While πολύτιμος λίθος describes a physical gem, Greeks use the word διαμάντι (diamond) as a metaphor to describe a person who is exceptionally rare and precious.
- The word λίθος is the ancestor of many English scientific terms, such as 'lithosphere' for the earth's crust and 'lithograph' for printing from stone.
Examples in context
- Αυτός ο πολύτιμος λίθος έχει ανεκτίμητη αξία για την οικογένειά μου.This gemstone has invaluable value to my family.
- Η πολύτιμη πέτρα που μου χάρισες θα αποτελέσει πάντα έναν ιδιαίτερο θησαυρό.The precious stone you gave me will always be a special treasure.
- Σε αυτήν την περιοχή της Κρήτης, μπορείτε να βρείτε υπέροχους πολύτιμους λίθους.In this region of Crete, you can find exquisite gems.
- Αυτός ο πολύτιμος λίθος είναι πολύ ακριβός.Aftos o polytimos lithos einai poly akrivos.This precious stone is very expensive.
- Ο πολύτιμος λίθος λάμπει στο φως.O polytimos lithos lampei sto fos.The precious stone shines in the light.
Example conversation
Nikos and Maria are looking at jewelry in a store.
- Νίκος NikosΚόιτα αυτό το μενταγιόν, Μαρία!Koita auto to mentagion, Maria!Look at this pendant, Maria!
- Μαρία MariaΕίναι υπέροχος! Τι πολύτιμος λίθος είναι αυτός;Einai yperochos! Ti polytimos lithos einai aftos?It is wonderful! What precious stone is this?
- Νίκος NikosΝομίζω ότι είναι σμαράγδι.Nomizo oti einai smaragdi.I think it is an emerald.
- Μαρία MariaΠράγματι, είναι πολύ όμορφος.Pragmati, einai poly omorfos.Indeed, it is very beautiful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gem” translations and entries πετράδι, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
