μέδουσα
médousa/ˈmeðusa/feminine
The English word "jellyfish" is μέδουσα (médousa) in Greek. Wiktionary also lists τσούχτρα (tsoúchtra).
Meaning: aquatic animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| μέδουσα | médousa | /ˈmeðusa/ | feminine |
| τσούχτρα | tsoúchtra | /ˈt͡suxtra/ | feminine |
Both μέδουσα and τσούχτρα are used to refer to the aquatic animal known as a jellyfish.
What does it mean word for word?
The word μέδουσα comes from the Greek word for Medusa, the Gorgon from Greek mythology.
Which one should you use?
While μέδουσα is the formal biological term, τσούχτρα is a common colloquial term that often emphasizes the stinging sensation of the animal.
How does it change in a sentence?
μέδουσα is a feminine noun, so any adjectives describing it must also be in the feminine form.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is médousa. In the word μέδουσα, the 'δ' is pronounced as a soft 'th' sound (as in 'the'), not a hard 'd'.
Did you know?
- The word μέδουσα traveled from Ancient Greek into Latin and French before returning to Modern Greek as the formal name for the creature.
- In Greek mythology, the Gorgon μέδουσα had snakes for hair, a visual parallel to the trailing tentacles of the animal.
- The word τσούζω used to form τσούχτρα can also be used to describe the feeling of a very hot piece of metal touching the skin.
Examples in context
- Οι μέδουσες είναι αρκετά επικίνδυνες στο νερό.Jellyfish are quite dangerous in the water.
- Είδα πολλές μέδουσες κολυμπώντας στη θάλασσα.I saw many jellyfish while swimming in the sea.
- Είδα μια μεγάλη μέδουσα στο νερό.Eida mia megalí médousa sto neró.I saw a large jellyfish in the water.
- Προσοχή, η μέδουσα μπορεί να τσουχτεί.Prosochí, i médousa mporeí na tsouchhteí.Watch out, the jellyfish can sting.
Example conversation
Nikos and Eleni are walking along the shore after a swim.
- Νίκος NikosΕλένη, δες αυτή τη μέδουσα!Eléni, des aftí ti médousa!Eleni, look at this jellyfish!
- Ελένη EleniΕίναι πολύ όμορφη, Νίκο.Íne polí ómorfi, Níko.It is very beautiful, Nikos.
- Νίκος NikosΜην την αγγίζεις όμως.Min tin angízeis ómos.But don't touch it.
- Ελένη EleniΔεν φοβάμαι, είναι μακριά μας.Den foḇáme, íne makriá mas.I'm not afraid, it is far from us.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “jellyfish” translations and entries μέδουσα, τσούχτρα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries μέδουσα, τσούχτρα, CC BY-SA 4.0.
