Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| μικρός | mikrós | /miˈkros/ |
| λίγος | lígos | /ˈli.ɣos/ |
Use μικρός to describe physical size or dimensions. Use λίγος to describe a small amount or quantity of something.
Which one should you use?
μικρός is used for physical size or dimensions, whereas λίγος is used to describe a small amount or quantity.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms change based on the gender of the noun they describe. For size, the masculine singular nominative is μικρός, the feminine singular nominative is μικρή and the neuter singular nominative is μικρό. For quantity, the masculine singular nominative is λίγος, the feminine singular nominative is λίγη and the neuter singular nominative is λίγο. Additionally, the word λίγο can function as an adverb meaning 'not much' or as a determiner meaning 'small amount'.
How do you pronounce it?
mikrós (/miˈkros/)
Did you know?
- The modern word λίγος evolved from the Ancient Greek ὀλίγος because speakers mistakenly thought the initial 'o' was a definite article and dropped it.
- In Greek culture, calling someone μικρός in a professional setting can sometimes imply they are junior in rank or experience, regardless of their physical size.
Examples in context
- Είναι λίγος χρόνος στη διάθεσή μου.I have little time at my disposal.This sentence shows the use of the form λίγος to describe a quantity of time.Tatoeba #2393025 by mululatv, translation #9597854 by Nylez
- Ο μικρός μου αδερφός βλέπει τηλεόραση.My little brother is watching TV.This sentence shows the use of the form μικρός to describe a person's size or relative age.Tatoeba #5609499 by Zeus, translation #1900 by Swift
- Ο Τομ είναι λίγο πιο μικρός απ' την κόρη σου.Tom is a little younger than your daughter.This sentence shows the use of the form μικρός to describe a comparative size.Tatoeba #5604771 by Zeus, translation #2712635 by CK
- Αυτός ο πίνακας είναι πολύ μικρός.This painting is very small.
- Έχω λίγη εμπειρία σε αυτό τον τομέα.I have little experience in this field.
- Χρειάστηκε λίγος χρόνος για να ολοκληρώσουμε το έργο.It took a little time to complete the project.
- Παρακαλώ να αφήσετε λίγο κενό στο πρόγραμμα.Please leave a little gap in the schedule.
- Έλα εδώ, μικρούλη μου!Come here, my little one!
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kostas and Anastasia are looking at a new apartment.
- Κώστας KostasΕίναι πολύ μικρός ο χώρος εδώ.Einai poly mikros o horos edo.The space here is very small.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΝαι, αλλά είναι πανέμορφο.Nai, alla einai panemorfo.Yes, but it is beautiful.
- Κώστας KostasΕίναι μικρός για εμάς.Einai mikros gia emas.It is small for us.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΘα το σκεφτούμε, Κώστα.Tha to skeftoume, Kosta.We will think about it, Kostas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “little” translations and entries μικρός, λίγος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries λίγος, μικρός, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
