μικρούλης
mikroulis
The Greek phrase for "little one" is μικρούλης (mikroulis).
This term is an affectionate, informal diminutive used by adults toward children.
Meaning: young child (noun)
Which one should you use?
The form μικρούλης refers to a little boy, while the feminine form μικρούλα is used when referring to a little girl.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term is informal and serves as an affectionate diminutive.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form μικρούλης changes to the feminine μικρούλα to match the gender of the child. If you are addressing a little boy directly, such as in the phrase "Come here, little one", the nominative μικρούλης changes to the vocative form μικρούλη.
How do you pronounce it?
mikroulis
Did you know?
- The root 'mikr-' in μικρούλης is an ancient relative of the English word 'micro', which comes from the same Greek origin meaning 'small'.
- The suffix -ούλης is so common for affection that it is often applied to pets, turning a dog or cat into a little one regardless of their actual size.
- Older family members may continue to call a grown man μικρούλης for his entire life to signify his permanent place as the 'baby' of the family.
Examples in context
- Έλα εδώ, μικρούληCome here, little one.
- Ο μικρούλης κοιμάται ήδη.O mikroulis koimatai idi.The little one is already sleeping.
- Πού είναι ο μικρούλης σου;Pou einai o mikroulis sou;Where is your little one?
- Ο μικρούλης έπαιξε πολύ σήμερα.O mikroulis epaixe poly simera.The little one played a lot today.
Example conversation
Kostas and Kyriaki are visiting their grandchild.
- Κώστας KostasΠού είναι ο μικρούλης μας;Poú eínai o mikroúlis mas?Where is our little one?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΠαίζει στον κήπο, Κώστα.Paízei ston kípo, Kósta.He is playing in the garden, Kostas.
- Κώστας KostasΕίναι πολύ χαρούμενος σήμερα.Eínai polý charómenos símera.He is very happy today.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝαι, ο μικρούλης λατρεύει τον ήλιο.Nai, o mikroúlis latrévei ton ílio.Yes, the little one loves the sun.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries μικρούλης, CC BY-SA 4.0.
