μαχαίρι
machaíri/maˈçe.ɾi/neuter
The Greek word for knife is μαχαίρι (machaíri).
μαχαίρι is a neuter noun referring to a utensil or tool designed for cutting.
Meaning: utensil or tool designed for cutting (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form μαχαίρι changes to του μαχαριού in the genitive case (e.g., 'of the knife'). To express the plural 'knives', use μαχαίρια.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /maˈçe.ɾi/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Greece, if you give a μαχαίρι as a gift, the recipient often gives a small coin in return. This symbolic payment turns the gift into a 'purchase' to prevent the knife from cutting the friendship.
- The word μαχαίρι is a cousin to the word μάχη, which means 'battle'. This connects the simple kitchen tool to the ancient Greek concept of fighting and warfare.
- The word μαχαίρι is actually a diminutive form, meaning it historically translates to a 'little sword'.
Examples in context
- Το μαχαίρι είναι βρόμικο.The knife is dirty.This sentence is useful for describing the cleanliness of the μαχαίρι.Tatoeba #5480681 by Zeus, translation #2730923 by Hybrid
- Το μαχαίρι μου είναι κοφτερό.My knife is sharp.This sentence is useful for describing the sharpness of the μαχαίρι.Tatoeba #2585166 by Zeus, translation #2549030 by CK
- Ο Τομ είχε ένα μαχαίρι στα χέρια του.Tom had a knife in his hands.This sentence is useful for describing someone holding a μαχαίρι.Tatoeba #5425141 by Zeus, translation #5410386 by CK
- Παρακαλώ, μπορείτε να μου δώσετε ένα μαχαίρι;Excuse me, could you give me a knife?
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In the kitchen while preparing dinner.
- Κώστας KostasΠού είναι το μαχαίρι;Pou einai to machairi;Where is the knife?
- Ελένη EleniΕίναι πάνω στο τραπέζι.Einai pano sto trapezi.It is on the table.
- Κώστας KostasΕυχαριστώ πολύ.Efcharisto poli.Thank you very much.
- Ελένη EleniΠαρακαλώ, Κώστα.Parakalo, Kosta.You're welcome, Kostas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “knife” translations and entries μαχαίρι, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries μαχαίρι, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
