ζεστός
zestós[ze̞ˈsto̞s]masculine
The English word "hot" translates to Greek as ζεστός (zestós). Wiktionary also lists θερμός (thermós).
Meaning: having a high temperature (adj)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ζεστός | zestós | [ze̞ˈsto̞s] (narrow) | masculine |
| θερμός | thermós | /θeɾˈmos/ |
Which one should you use?
While ζεστός is the common word for hot, θερμός is used for higher temperatures or in more formal/scientific contexts. If something is extremely hot, such as scorching sun or boiling water, the word καυτός is more appropriate than ζεστός.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of ζεστός is ζεστή. The neuter form of ζεστός is ζεστό.
How do you pronounce it?
zestós
Did you know?
- While καυτός means 'scorching', it shares a root with the Greek word for 'burn' and is used to describe both physical heat and spicy food.
- The word καυτός can be used figuratively to describe a 'hot' topic or a 'burning' current issue in the news.
- The Greek word θερμός is the root of many English scientific terms like 'thermometer', 'thermostat' and 'thermal'.
Examples in context
- Δεν μου αρέσει ζεστός καφές.I don't like hot coffee.This sentence shows how to use ζεστός to express a preference regarding coffee.Tatoeba #11984874 by alabama, translation #7983650 by shekitten
- Αυτός ο καφές δεν είναι αρκετά ζεστός.This coffee is not hot enough.This sentence demonstrates using ζεστός to indicate that a temperature is insufficient.Tatoeba #2413563 by mululatv, translation #61137 by CC
- Ο καφές είναι πολύ ζεστός.The coffee is very hot.This sentence illustrates using ζεστός to state that coffee is very hot.Tatoeba #11249632 by carlosalberto, translation #2977230 by CM
- Η έρημος είναι πολύ καυτήThe desert is very hot
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nikos and Anastasia are at a bakery.
- Νίκος NikosΘέλω έναν ζεστό κουλουράκι.Thelo enan zestó koulouráki.I want a hot bread roll.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΟ φούρνος είναι ακόμα ανοιχτός.O foúrnos einai akóma anoichtós.The oven is still open.
- Νίκος NikosΕίναι πολύ ζεστός ο φούρνος!Einai polý zestós o foúrnos!The oven is very hot!
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΠρόσεχε να μην καείς, Νίκο.Próseche na min kaís, Níko.Be careful not to burn yourself, Nikos.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hot” translations and entries ζεστός, θερμός, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ζεστός, θερμός, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
