γεράκι
geráki/ʝeˈɾa.ci/neuter
In Greek, the word for hawk is γεράκι (geráki).
The term refers to a predatory bird of the Accipitridae family.
Meaning: predatory bird of Accipitridae (noun)
Which one should you use?
γεράκι is the standard term for the bird, while Ιέραξ is a more formal term used when discussing the bird in scientific or official contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
γεράκι is a neuter noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ʝeˈɾa.ci/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: ge-RA-ki.
Did you know?
- The word γεράκι is actually a diminutive form, meaning it translates more closely to 'little hawk' than just 'hawk'.
- The term γεράκι appears in traditional Greek folk songs to symbolize longing or the delivery of messages between distant lovers.
- In Greek folklore, the hawk is often associated with the concept of 'keen sight' and is used in idioms to describe someone who notices every small detail.
Examples in context
- Η ειδίκευσή μου είναι ο ιέραξ και η συμβολή του στα οικοσυστήματα είναι ζωτικής σημασίας.My specialty is the hawk and its contribution to ecosystems is of vital importance.
- Είδα ένα γεράκι στον κήπο.Eida ena geraki ston kipo.I saw a hawk in the garden.
- Το γεράκι κυνηγά το θήραμά του.To geraki kyniaga to thirama tou.The hawk hunts its prey.
Example conversation
Kostas and Kyriaki are walking in the countryside.
- Κώστας KostasΚυριακή, κοίτα τον ουρανό!Kyriakí, koíta ton ouranó!Kyriaki, look at the sky!
- Κυριακή KyriakiΤι είναι εκείνο το πουλί;Ti eínai ekeíno to poúli?What is that bird?
- Κώστας KostasΕίναι ένα γεράκι που κυνηγάει.Eínai éna geráki pou kynigáei.It is a hawk that is hunting.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕίναι πραγματικά εντυπωσιακό.Eínai pragmatiká entyposiakó.It is truly impressive.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hawk” translations and entries γεράκι, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries γεράκι, CC BY-SA 4.0.
