τρύπα
trýpa/ˈtɾi.pa/feminine
The Greek word for 'hole' is τρύπα (trýpa). Wiktionary also lists οπή (opí).
Meaning: a through opening (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| τρύπα | trýpa | /ˈtɾi.pa/ | feminine |
| οπή | opí | feminine |
Both τρύπα and οπή refer to a through opening. While τρύπα is the standard, everyday word for a hole, you might encounter the diminutive τρυπάκι when referring to a small hole. If you are describing a large pit or an excavation, the word Σκαψιά is more appropriate.
Which one should you use?
τρύπα is the common, general word for a hole. In contrast, οπή is a more formal or technical term used to describe an aperture or a precise opening, often in scientific contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
τρύπα is a feminine noun. Its plural form is τρύπες. οπή is also a feminine noun, and its plural form is οπές.
How do you pronounce it?
The word τρύπα is pronounced /ˈtɾi.pa/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- If a Greek person describes a room or a house as a τρύπα, they are not talking about a physical hole but suggesting the space is tiny and miserable.
- The word τρύπα is related to a verb meaning 'to pierce' or 'to drill'.
- While τρύπα is used for a hole in a sock or a wall, a 'gap' or 'hole' in a logical argument is described as a κενό, which literally means 'void'.
Examples in context
- Προσοχή! Υπάρχη μια μεγάλη τρύπα εκεί.Watch out! There's a big hole there.This sentence is useful for seeing how to warn someone about a large τρύπα.Tatoeba #7271783 by amoeba, translation #20373 by CK
- Η τρύπα είναι στενή.The hole is narrow.This sentence describes the width of a τρύπα.Tatoeba #3228849 by biber, translation #2002535 by bichodebola
- Η τρύπα είναι ευρεία.The hole is wide.Tatoeba #3228851 by biber, translation #2002536 by bichodebola
Example conversation
Maria and Kostas are looking at a piece of clothing.
- Μαρία MariaΚώστα, κοίτα τη τρύπα στη φούστα μου!Kosta, koita ti trypa sti fousta mou!Kostas, look at the hole in my skirt!
- Κώστας KostasΕίναι πολύ μικρή, δεν φαίνεται.Einai poly mikri, den fainetai.It is very small, it isn't visible.
- Μαρία MariaΑλλά η τρύπα είναι ακριβώς στη μέση.Alla i trypa einai akrivos sti mesi.But the hole is exactly in the middle.
- Κώστας KostasΜπορούμε να τη ράψουμε εύκολα.Boroume na ti rapsoume efkola.We can sew it easily.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hole” translations and entries τρύπα, οπή, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries οπή, τρύπα, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
