γατάκι
gatáki
The Greek word for kitty is γατάκι (gatáki).
γατάκι is used as an affectionate pet name for a cat of any age, functioning similarly to the English word 'kitty'. Although it literally translates to 'little cat', it is the standard term used by speakers to refer to cats affectionately.
Meaning: pet name for a cat of any age (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word γατάκι is formed by adding the diminutive suffix –άκι to the base word for cat, γάτα, meaning 'little cat'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to multiple kitties, the plural form is γατακιά.
How do you pronounce it?
gatáki
Did you know?
- In Greek, calling someone a γάτα (cat) can actually be a compliment, implying they are physically attractive or 'a fox'.
- While 'little cat' is the literal translation, Greeks use γατάκι as a common term of endearment for humans too, much like 'sweetie' or 'cutie'.
- The suffix –άκι creates a 'neuter' noun, meaning that even if a kitty is female, the word γατάκι stays in the neuter gender.
Examples in context
- Έχεις ένα γατάκι;Do you have a kitty?
- Ναι, έχω ένα γατάκι! Είναι τόσο γλυκό!Yes, I have a kitty! It's so adorable!
- Ποιο είναι το αγαπημένο σου γατάκι;What's your favorite kitty?
- Γατούλα, έλα εδώ!Kitty, come here!
- Η γατούλα μου ακούει πάντα!My kitty always listens!
- Το γατάκι μου κοιμάται.To gataki mou koimatai.My kitty is sleeping.
- Το γατάκι αυτό είναι χαριτωμένο.To gataki afto einai charitomeno.This kitty is cute.
Example conversation
Nikos and Eleni are looking at a pet shop window.
- Νίκος NikosΔες αυτό το γατάκι, Ελένη!Des aftó to gatáki, Eléni!Look at this kitty, Eleni!
- Ελένη EleniΕίναι πολύ χαριτωμένο, Νίκο.Eínai polý charitómeno, Níko.It is very cute, Nikos.
- Νίκος NikosΠιστεύεις ότι μας θα άρεσε;Pistéveis óti mas tha árese?Do you think we would like it?
- Ελένη EleniΝαι, ας το πάρουμε!Ne, as to pároume!Yes, let's get it!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry γατάκι, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
