How to Say "Istanbul" in Greek

Κωνσταντινούπολη

Konstantinoúpoli/ko(n).sta(n).diˈnu.po.li/feminine

The English phrase Istanbul is referred to in Greek as Κωνσταντινούπολη (Konstantinoúpoli). Wiktionary also lists Πόλη (Póli).

Meaning: largest city of Turkey and last capital of the Ottoman Empire (name)

Ways to say it

“istanbul” in Greek
Greek	Romanization (Wiktionary)	IPA	Note
Κωνσταντινούπολη	Konstantinoúpoli	/ko(n).sta(n).diˈnu.po.li/	feminine
Πόλη	Póli	/ˈpo.li/	feminine

Κωνσταντινούπολη is the name used to refer to the largest city of Turkey and the former capital of the Ottoman Empire.

The name Κωνσταντινούπολη is a compound of the name Κωνσταντίνος (Constantine) and πόλη (city), so it literally means 'City of Constantine'.

Because Κωνσταντινούπολη is a feminine noun, when you use the preposition 'in' (σε), you must use the feminine accusative form στην Κωνσταντινούπολη.

The romanization is Konstantinoúpoli. It has 6 syllables, with the stress on the 4th syllable: /ko(n).sta(n).diˈnu.po.li/.

In many Greek contexts, the word Πόλη (meaning 'the City') is used as a standalone proper noun to refer specifically to this city, without needing to mention 'Constantine'.
In Greek culture, using the name Κωνσταντινούπολη often evokes a sense of nostalgia or historical loss, as it refers to the city as the heart of the Eastern Roman Empire.
The word Πόλη is a cognate of the word 'polis' used in English terms like 'metropolis' or 'acropolis'.

Η Κωνσταντινούπολη είναι η πιο πυκνοκατοικημένη πόλη της Τουρκίας.
Istanbul is Turkey's most densely populated city.
This sentence uses Κωνσταντινούπολη to describe the population density of the city.
Tatoeba #3217022 by glavkos, translation #9205984 by Nylez
Αναμένεται μεγάλος σεισμός στην Κωνσταντινούπολη.
A large earthquake is expected in Istanbul.
This sentence uses Κωνσταντινούπολη to discuss an expected earthquake.
Tatoeba #9623417 by TurkishReform, translation #9700382 by Nylez
Υπάρχουν περίπου τρεις χιλιάδες τζαμιά στην Κωνσταντινούπολη.
There are around three thousand mosques in Istanbul.
This sentence uses Κωνσταντινούπολη to state the approximate number of mosques in the city.
Tatoeba #3557694 by turkishlearner, translation #1820756 by al_ex_an_der
Θέλω να επισκεφθώ την Κωνσταντινούπολη τουλάχιστον μία φορά στη ζωή μου.
I want to visit Istanbul at least once in my life.

Dimitris and Eleni are talking about their travel plans.

Δημήτρης Dimitris

Θέλεις να επισκεφθείς την Κωνσταντινούπολη;
Theleis na episkefteis tin Konstantinoupoli;
Do you want to visit Istanbul?
Ελένη Eleni

Ναι, η Κωνσταντινούπολη είναι πανέμορφη.
Ne, i Konstantinoupoli einai panemorfi.
Yes, Istanbul is beautiful.
Δημήτρης Dimitris

Θα σου αρέσει πολύ εκεί.
Tha sou aresei poli eki.
You will like it a lot there.
Ελένη Eleni

Ελπίζω να πάμε σύντομα.
Elpizo na pame sintoma.
I hope we go soon.

Sources

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