καούρα
kaoúrafeminine
Heartburn in Greek is καούρα (kaoúra).
The word refers to the pain caused by stomach acid.
Meaning: pain caused by stomach acid (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
kaoúra
Did you know?
- The word καίω (to burn) is also the root for many terms related to passion or intense emotion in Greek. This creates a poetic overlap between physical pain and intense feeling.
- While English speakers say 'heartburn', the Greek term καούρα focuses entirely on the sensation of burning. It does not mention the 'heart' at all, despite the English connection.
- Because καούρα is so closely tied to the verb 'to burn', a Greek speaker might describe the feeling as 'burning me' rather than 'having heartburn'.
Examples in context
- Έχω καούρα.I have heartburn.
- Υπάρχει φάρμακο για την καούρα;Is there medication for heartburn?
- Η καούρα με ενοχλεί το βράδυ.I kaura me enochlei to vradi.The heartburn bothers me at night.
Example conversation
Anastasia and Nikos are talking after a spicy dinner.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΝίκο, έχεις καούρα από το φαγητό;Niko, echeis kaoura apo to fagito?Nikos, do you have heartburn from the food?
- Νίκος NikosΝαι, Αναστασία, με ενοχλεί πολύ.Nai, Anastasia, me enochlei poly.Yes, Anastasia, it's bothering me a lot.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΘέλεις ένα αντιacido για την καούρα;Theleis ena antiacido gia tin kaoura?Do you want an antacid for the heartburn?
- Νίκος NikosΝαι, σε παρακαλώ, θα βοηθούσε.Nai, se parakalo, tha voithouse.Yes, please, that would help.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “heartburn” translations and entries καούρα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
