γατάκι
gatákineuter
The Greek word for "kitten" is γατάκι (gatáki).
γατάκι is used to refer to a young cat.
Meaning: a young cat (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed by adding the diminutive suffix –άκι to the word for cat (γάτα), literally meaning "little cat".
How does it change in a sentence?
γατάκι is a neuter noun. It uses the neuter indefinite article ένα (ένα γατάκι) instead of the masculine ένας or feminine μία. The plural form of the neuter noun γατάκι is γατάκια.
How do you pronounce it?
gatáki
Did you know?
- The word γάτα is used in Greek slang to describe a very attractive person. Calling someone a 'cat' is a common compliment regarding their physical beauty.
- While γατάκι means 'kitten', Greeks often use the word γατούλα to express affection for a cat of any age. The suffix –ουλα adds a layer of endearment that the diminutive –άκι does not always convey.
- The diminutive suffix –άκι used in γατάκι can be applied to almost any noun to make it 'cute' or 'small'. This allows Greek speakers to create an infinite variety of 'little' things on the fly.
Examples in context
- Το γατάκι είναι τόσο γλυκό!The kitten is so cute!
- Είναι ένα πολύ γλυκό γατάκι.Eínai éna polý glykó gatáki.It is a very sweet kitten.
- Το γατάκι κοιμάται στον καναπέ.To gatáki koimátai ston kanapé.The kitten is sleeping on the sofa.
- Θέλεις να δεις το γατάκι μου;Thélis na deis to gatáki mou;Do you want to see my kitten?
Example conversation
Eleni and Kostas are visiting an animal shelter.
- Ελένη EleniΚώστα, δες αυτό το γατάκι!Kósta, des aftó to gatáki!Kostas, look at this kitten!
- Κώστας KostasΕίναι πολύ χαριτωμένο, Ελένη.Eínai polý charitómeno, Eléni.It is very cute, Eleni.
- Ελένη EleniΜπορούμε να το πάρουμε σπίτι;Boroúme na to pároume spíti?Can we take it home?
- Κώστας KostasΝαι, ας το υιοθετήσουμε.Nai, as to yiothitísoume.Yes, let's adopt it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kitten” translations and entries γατάκι, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
