αρσενικός
arsenikós/ar.se.niˈkos/
The Greek word for masculine is αρσενικός (arsenikós).
αρσενικός is an adjective meaning belonging to or used by males. In a chemical context, this same word is also used to refer to the element arsenic.
Meaning: belonging to males, appropriated to, or used by, males (adj)
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as ar-se-ni-KOS (/ar.se.niˈkos/). It has four syllables, and the stress is on the fourth syllable.
Did you know?
- Ancient Greek texts used αρσενικός not just for sex, but sometimes to denote 'strength' or 'virility'. This means the word carries a historical connotation of power that goes beyond simple classification.
- While αρσενικός is the formal term for 'masculine', Greeks typically use ανδρικός when describing 'masculine' traits or characteristics of a man.
- To refer to the grammatical category of the 'masculine gender', Greeks switch from the adjective αρσενικός to the noun αρσενικό.
Examples in context
- Ο πατέρας μου είναι πολύ αρρενωπός.My father is very masculine.
- Η αντρίκεια δύναμη μπορεί να είναι αρρενωπή και ευαίσθητη.Masculine strength can be both masculine and sensitive.
Example conversation
Kostas and Kyriaki are talking about a new pet.
- Κώστας KostasΚυριακή, κοίτα το πιονάκι!Kyriaki, koita to pionaki!Kyriaki, look at the puppy!
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕίναι πολύ χαριτωμένο. Είναι αρσενικός;Einai poly charitomeno. Einai arsenikos?It is very cute. Is it male?
- Κώστας KostasΝαι, είναι αρσενικός.Nai, einai arsenikos.Yes, it is male.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΤέλεια, θα του το πούμε!Telia, tha tou to poume!Great, we will tell him!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry αρσενικός, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
