καλό κορίτσι
kaló korítsi
The Greek phrase for "good girl" is καλό κορίτσι (kaló korítsi).
The phrase καλό κορίτσι is used to praise the behavior of a female child or a female pet.
How do you pronounce it?
kaló korítsi
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers might mistakenly try to change the adjective to the feminine form καλή (kalí) to match the noun, but καλό κορίτσι is the standard fixed phrase used for both children and pets.
Did you know?
- If a Greek speaker calls a grown woman a καλό κορίτσι, it can be seen as patronizing or treating her like a child.
- The word κορίτσι is a cognate with the word кури́ц used by the Greek community in Mariupol.
- Greek has a separate word for 'girl' when referring to an adolescent or young woman, κοπέλα, which does follow feminine grammar rules.
Examples in context
- Είσαι ένα καλό κορίτσι, η Λάουρα.Eisai ena kalo koritsi, i Laura.You are a good girl, Laura.
- Μπράβο, καλό κορίτσι!Bravo, kalo koritsi!Well done, good girl!
Example conversation
Dimitris is praising Elena's daughter for tidying up.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΜάζεψες όλα τα παιχνίδια σου!Mágepses óla ta paichnídia sou!You picked up all your toys!
- Ελένη EleniΕίδατε, μπαμπά;Eídate, bampába?Did you see, daddy?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΝαι, είσαι ένα καλό κορίτσι.Nai, eísai éna kaló korítsi.Yes, you are a good girl.
- Ελένη EleniΕυχαριστώ!Efcharistó!Thank you!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries κορίτσι, CC BY-SA 4.0.
