μικρή αδερφή
mikri aderfi
The English phrase "little sister" is translated into Greek as μικρή αδερφή (mikri aderfi).
The phrase is used to refer to a female sibling who is younger than the speaker.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of μικρή, meaning small or little and αδερφή, meaning sister.
Which one should you use?
To refer to a "big sister" (an older sister), you replace the adjective μικρή with μεγάλη.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because αδερφή is a feminine noun, the adjective must also be in the feminine form μικρή to agree in gender.
How do you pronounce it?
mikri aderfi
Did you know?
- The word αδερφή shares a root with αδελφός, which comes from the ancient Greek words meaning 'same' and 'womb'.
- In many Greek families, instead of saying 'my little sister', people use the diminutive form αδερφάκι to express endearment, even if the sister is no longer small.
- The word μεγάλη (big), which is used to mean 'older sister', is the same word used to describe 'great' or 'important' people in Greek.
Examples in context
- Το Βέλγιο είναι η μικρή αδερφή της Γαλλίας.Belgium is the little sister of France.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use the phrase μικρή αδερφή in a metaphorical sense regarding nations.Tatoeba #11947941 by carlosalberto, translation #11947918 by carlosalberto
- Η αδελφούλα μου είναι πολύ γλυκιά.My little sister is very sweet.
- Ο αδερφούλης έκανε μια ζωγραφιά για την αδελφούλα του.The little brother made a painting for his little sister.
- Η μικρή αδερφή μου είναι τρεις χρονών.I mikri aderfi mou einai tris chronon.My little sister is three years old.
Example conversation
Kostas and Kyriaki are talking about their families.
- Κώστας KostasΈχεις αδέρφια, Κυριακή;Écheis adérfia, Kyriaki?Do you have siblings, Kyriaki?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝαι, έχω μια μικρή αδερφή.Ne, écho mia mikrí aderfí.Yes, I have a little sister.
- Κώστας KostasΠόσο χρονών είναι;Póso chronón einai?How old is she?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕίναι οκτώ χρονών.Einai októ chronón.She is eight years old.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.