μέλισσα
mélissa/ˈme.li.sa/
The Greek word for honey bee is μέλισσα (mélissa).
Meaning: honey bee (noun)
Which one should you use?
The informal forms Μέλισσουλα and Μέλισσακι are used to express endearment toward the insect.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: mélissa (/ˈme.li.sa/).
Did you know?
- In Greek folk beliefs, the μέλισσα was once thought to be a reincarnation of a human soul. Some traditions suggested that bees could sense the presence of a ghost or a coming death.
- In Greek mythology, the μέλισσα was a divine messenger. The goddess Artemis is often associated with bees, and the word was sometimes used as a title for priestesses who served her.
- In Ancient Greek, the name Μέλισσα was also used as a common female given name, often associated with nymph-like qualities in mythology.
Examples in context
- Η μέλισσα παίζει σημαντικό ρόλο στη γεωργία.The honey bee plays an important role in agriculture.
- Η μέλισσα πετάει πάνω στο λουλούδι.I mélissa petáei páno sto loulóoudi.The honey bee is flying over the flower.
- Είδα μια μέλισσα στον κήπο μας.Eída mia mélissa ston kípo mas.I saw a honey bee in our garden.
- Μια μέλισσα πλησίασε το παιδί.Mia mélissa plisiáse to paidí.A honey bee approached the child.
Example conversation
Maria and Dimitris are walking in a garden.
- Μαρία MariaΚοίτα, Δημήτρη, μια μέλισσα στο τριαντέλλο!Koita, Dimitri, mia melissa sto triantello!Look, Dimitris, a bee on the rose!
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΕίναι πολύ όμορφη η μέλισσα.Einai poly omorfi i melissa.The bee is very beautiful.
- Μαρία MariaΝαι, αλλά μην την ακουμπάς.Nai, alla min tin akoumpas.Yes, but don't touch it.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΈχεις δίκιο, Μαρία. Θα μείνει μακριά.Echeis dikio, Maria. Tha meine makria.You are right, Maria. I will stay away.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry μέλισσα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
