αρνί
arní/aɾˈni/neuter
The Greek word for "lamb" is αρνί (arní).
The term refers to a young sheep.
Meaning: young sheep (noun)
Which one should you use?
While αρνί is the standard term, you may also encounter the diminutive form αρνάκι, which is used to express affection.
How does it change in a sentence?
αρνί is a neuter noun. Its indefinite article is το (to) and its plural form is τα αρνιά (ta arniá).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /aɾˈni/. The romanization is arní.
Did you know?
- In Greek, calling someone αρνάκι ('little lamb') is a common way to express love for children or partners, functioning similarly to the English 'honey' or 'sweetie'.
- The center of the Greek Easter celebration is the roasting of a whole αρνί, which serves as a cultural symbol of innocence and sacrifice.
- The word αρνί is a cognate with арны́, a term still used by the Greek-speaking community in Mariupol, Ukraine.
Examples in context
- Το αρνί είναι μαλακό.The lamb is soft.
- Ένα αρνί τρέχει στο χωράφι.Ena arni trexi sto chorafi.A lamb is running in the field.
- Εκείνο το αρνί είναι λευκό.Ekeino to arni einai lefko.That lamb is white.
Example conversation
Anastasia and Nikos are visiting a farm.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΚοιτάξτε, Νίκο, ένα λευκό αρνί!Koitáxte, Níko, éna lefkó arní!Look, Nikos, a white lamb!
- Νίκος NikosΕίναι πράγματι πολύ μικρό.Eínai prágmati polý mikró.It really is very small.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΜπορούμε να ταΐσουμε το αρνί;Boroúme na taísoume to arní?Can we feed the lamb?
- Νίκος NikosΝαι, ας ρωτήσουμε τον ιδιοκτήτη.Nai, as rotísoume ton idioktíti.Yes, let's ask the owner.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lamb” translations and entries αρνί, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries αρνί, CC BY-SA 4.0.
