φτέρνα
ftérna/ˈfteɾ.na/feminine
The Greek word for "heel" is φτέρνα (ftérna).
The word φτέρνα is a noun used to refer to the anatomical part of the foot.
Meaning: anatomy: part of the foot (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular feminine noun φτέρνα becomes φτέρνες in the plural to mean "heels". To say "of the heel" in the genitive singular, use της φτέρνας.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈfteɾ.na/. The stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word φτέρνα is also used to describe the 'heel' of a loaf of bread or the end piece of a food item.
- In traditional Greek dancing, the striking of the φτέρνες against the floor is a key rhythmic element in several regional folk dances.
- The word φτέρνα traces its lineage back to the Ancient Greek πτέρνη, showing how the consonant sound shifted slightly over thousands of years.
Examples in context
- Πόνος στην πτέρναPain in the heel
- Πονάει η φτέρνα μου.My heel hurts.
- Έχω πόνο στη φτέρνα.Ékho póno sti ftérna.I have a pain in my heel.
Example conversation
Kyriaki and Kostas are discussing new shoes.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΚώστα, αυτά τα παπούτσια είναι άνετα;Kósta, aftá ta papoútsia eínai áneta?Kostas, are these shoes comfortable?
- Κώστας KostasΌχι, με πονάει πολύ η φτέρνα.Óchi, me ponáei polý i ftérna.No, my heel hurts a lot.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΊσως χρειάζεσαι ένα μεγαλύτερο νούμερο.Ísos chriázesai éna megalýtero número.Maybe you need a larger size.
- Κώστας KostasΈχεις δίκιο, θα τα αλλάξω.Écheis díkio, tha ta alláxo.You are right, I will change them.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “heel” translations and entries φτέρνα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries φτέρνα, CC BY-SA 4.0.
