τζίντζερ
tzíntzer/ˈd͡zin.d͡zeɾ/neuter
Ginger in Greek can be expressed as τζίντζερ (tzíntzer) or πιπερόριζα.
Meaning: spice (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| τζίντζερ | tzíntzer | /ˈd͡zin.d͡zeɾ/ /ˈd͡zi.d͡zeɾ/ |
neuter |
| πιπερόριζα | piperóriza | feminine |
Both words refer to the spice ginger. πιπερόριζα is a more formal or botanical term used in technical or traditional contexts.
Which one should you use?
πιπερόριζα is used when a more formal or botanical designation is required.
How does it change in a sentence?
τζίντζερ is a neuter noun. πιπερόριζα is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as tzíntzer. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- While the modern word τζίντζερ is a direct loanword from English, it actually traces its lineage back to an ancient Greek word, ζιγγίβερις, which was itself borrowed from Sanskrit-related sources.
- The formal term πιπερόριζα is a compound word combining πιπέρι meaning 'pepper' and ρίζα meaning 'root'.
- While τζίντζερ is common in supermarkets, you will often see πιπερόριζα on official health or pharmaceutical labels in Greece.
Examples in context
- Ένα αρωματικό πιλάφι με τζίντζερ, παρακαλώ.An aromatic pilaf with ginger, please.
- Μου αρέσει πολύ η γεύση του τζίντζερ. Δεν μπορώ να φανταστώ τη ζωή χωρίς αυτό.I really like the taste of ginger. I can't imagine life without it.
- Μου αρέσει η γεύση του τζίντζερ.Mou aresei i geusi tou djintjer.I like the taste of ginger.
Example conversation
Kostas and Eleni are cooking together in the kitchen.
- Κώστας KostasΕλένη, υπάρχει τζίντζερ στο σούπερ μάρκετ;Eléni, ypárchei tzíndzher sto súper márket?Eleni, is there ginger at the supermarket?
- Ελένη EleniΝαι, υπάρχει στο τμήμα με τα μπαχαρικά.Nai, ypárchei sto tmíma me ta bachariká.Yes, it is in the spices section.
- Κώστας KostasΘέλω να προσθέσω τζίντζερ στο φαγητό.Thélo na prosthéso tzíndzher sto faghitó.I want to add ginger to the food.
- Ελένη EleniΕίναι μια πολύ καλή ιδέα, Κώστα.Eínai mia polý kalí idéa, Kósta.That is a very good idea, Kostas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ginger” translations and entries τζίντζερ, πιπερόριζα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries τζίντζερ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
