πεθερικά
petherika
The English phrase "in-laws" is translated into Greek as πεθερικά (petherika).
πεθερικά is used to refer to the relatives of one's spouse, including parents and siblings.
Which one should you use?
While πεθερικά is the general term for in-laws, you can use more specific terms for individual relatives: πεθερός refers specifically to a father-in-law and πεθερά refers specifically to a mother-in-law.
How does it change in a sentence?
πεθερικά is a neuter plural noun. The specific terms for individual in-laws follow different patterns: πεθερός is a masculine singular noun and πεθερά is a feminine singular noun.
How do you pronounce it?
petherika
Did you know?
- Unlike the English 'in-laws', which suggests a legal connection through 'law', the Greek terms for in-laws do not contain any reference to legality or contracts.
- In Greek culture, the relationship with the πεθερά (mother-in-law) is a common trope in comedy and folk songs, often depicted as a clash of wills.
- Unlike the English 'in-laws', which uses a noun, the Greek term πεθερικά is actually an adjective used as a noun. It literally translates to 'things related to the in-laws'.
Examples in context
- Οι γαμπροί και νύφες σας είναι υπέροχοι άνθρωποι!Your sons-in-law and daughters-in-law are wonderful people!
- Οι πεθερικά της είναι πολύ ευγενικοί.Oi petherika tis einai poly evgenikoi.Her in-laws are very kind.
- Πρέπει να πάμε να δούμε τους πεθερικά.Prepei na pame na doume tous petherika.We must go see the in-laws.
Example conversation
A couple is discussing their holiday plans.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΠότε θα δούμε τα πεθερικά σου;Pote tha doume ta petherika sou?When will we see your in-laws?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΜπορείτε να έρθετε την Κυριακή, Δημήτρη.Boreite na erthete tin Kyriaki, Dimitri.You can come on Sunday, Dimitris.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΤέλεια, θα φέρω κάτι γλυκό.Telia, tha fero kati glyko.Great, I will bring something sweet.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΘα χαρούν πολύ να σε δουν.Tha charoun poly na se doun.They will be very happy to see you.
