Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| γκρίζος | gkrízos | /ˈɡɾizos/ |
| φαιός | faiós | /feˈos/ |
The word is used to describe a color located between white and black, similar to the color of cinders. For a more specific informal term meaning silver-gray, you can use Ασημογκρίζο.
Which one should you use?
While γκρίζος is the adjective describing a color, γκριζάω is the verb used to describe the process of turning gray (such as hair turning gray).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal or literary contexts, you may use φαιός to mean gray or dusky.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form γκρίζος changes to γκριζός when used in certain grammatical contexts or to match specific noun endings, though γκρίζος is the standard dictionary form. The feminine form of the adjective is γκρίζα. The neuter form of the adjective is γκρίζο.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈɡɾizos/ (gkrízos).
Did you know?
- The word γκρίζος is derived from the Proto-Germanic word *grīsaz, showing a distant relationship to the English word 'gray'.
- The letter combination γκ at the start of γκρίζος is used specifically to create the hard 'g' sound, as a single 'γ' would sound more like a 'y'.
- The literary word φαιός has remained in the Greek language for millennia, surviving from the era of Ancient Greek into modern texts.
Examples in context
- Ο ελέφαντας είναι γκρίζος.The elephant is gray.This sentence illustrates the use of γκρίζος to describe the color of an elephant.Tatoeba #11150932 by carlosalberto, translation #11150931 by carlosalberto
- Αυτό το πουλόβερ είναι γκρι.This sweater is gray.
Example conversation
Kyriaki and Giorgos are looking at clothes in a shop.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΣου αρέσει αυτός ο γκρίζος πουλόβερ;Sou arése aftós o grízos poúlover?Do you like this gray sweater?
- Γιώργος GiorgosΝαι, το χρώμα είναι πολύ ωραίο.Nai, to chróma eínai polý óraio.Yes, the color is very nice.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝα το αγοράσεις, Γιώργο;Na to agorásis, Giórgo?Should you buy it, Giorgos?
- Γιώργος GiorgosΝαι, θα το πάρω.Nai, tha to páro.Yes, I will take it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gray” translations and entries γκρίζος, φαιός, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries γκρίζος, φαιός, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
