μελάνι
melánineuter
In Greek, the word for ink is μελάνι (meláni).
The word μελάνι refers to the colored fluid used for writing.
Meaning: coloured fluid used for writing (noun)
Which one should you use?
While μελάνι is the standard term, you may encounter μελανάκι as a more endearing or colloquial way to refer to ink.
How does it change in a sentence?
μελάνι is a neuter noun.
How do you pronounce it?
meláni
Did you know?
- Because of its ancient roots, μελάνι is closely related to the English word 'melancholy', which originally described a 'black bile' imbalance in the body.
- The Greek word for 'inkfish' or cuttlefish is καλαμάρι, but the ink it produces is still referred to as μελάνι.
- Ancient Greeks used a mixture of soot and gum arabic to create the original μελάνιον used for writing on papyrus.
Examples in context
- Θα χρειαστείτε μελάνι για να συμπληρώσετε τη φόρμα.You will need ink to fill out the form.
- Το μελάνι από το στυλό μου τελείωσε.The ink in my pen has run out.
- Το μελάνι είναι μαύρο.To melani einai mavro.The ink is black.
- Χρειάζομαι λίγο μελάνι για την πένα.Chreiazomai ligo melani gia tin pena.I need some ink for the pen.
Example conversation
George and Anastasia are at a stationery store.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΑναστασία, χρειάζομαι καινούργιο μελάνι.Anastasia, chreiazomai kainourgio melani.Anastasia, I need new ink.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΓια ποιο εκτυπωτή το θέλεις;Gia poio ektypoti to theleis?Which printer do you want it for?
- Γιώργος GiorgosΓια τον μικρό του γραφείου.Gia ton mikro tou grafeiou.For the small one in the office.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΑς το βρούμε μαζί.As to vroume mazi.Let's find it together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ink” translations and entries μελάνι, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries μελάνι, CC BY-SA 4.0.
