μέσος
mésosmasculine
The Greek word for "medium", meaning of intermediate size, is μέσος (mésos). If unsure, use μέσος. Wiktionary also lists μέτριος (métrios).
Meaning: of intermediate size (adj)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| μέσος | mésos | masculine | |
| μέτριος | métrios | /ˈme.tri.os/ | masculine |
μέσος refers to a position in the middle or something middle sized. μέτριος describes a moderate level, quality or amount, such as sweetness or height.
Which one should you use?
Use μέσος for physical position or middle size. Use μέτριος for a moderate or average degree of something.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both words are masculine in the forms shown here and change with gender. The feminine form of μέτριος is μέτρια.
How do you pronounce it?
μέσος is pronounced mésos.
When do people say it?
In Greek cafes, when ordering coffee such as a frappé, use μέτριος to ask for a medium amount of sugar.
Did you know?
- In Greek philosophy, the concept of μέτρον (measure) is linked to μέτριος, suggesting that the ideal state of being is a 'medium' or balanced point between two extremes.
- The word μέσος can also refer to a 'midfielder' in football, as the player occupies the middle of the pitch.
- If you describe a person's work as μέτριος, you might accidentally insult them. While it means 'moderate', it often carries the sting of 'mediocre' or 'uninspiring' in modern conversation.
Examples in context
- ένας άνδρας μετρίου αναστήματοςA man of medium heightHere μετρίου describes a man's height as medium.
- Ένα μέτριο παρακαλώ!A medium sweet coffee please!Here μέτριο orders a medium sweet coffee.
- Ο φραπές χαρακτηρίζεται "σκέτος", "μέτριος" ή "γλυκός" ως προς τις αναλογίες των συστατικών του.Frappé is described as "plain", "medium" or "sweet" according to the proportions of its ingredients.Here μέτριος is the medium choice between plain and sweet.Tatoeba #1387266 by enteka, translation #9303285 by Nylez
- Το μπλουζάκι αυτό είναι μέντιουμ.This t-shirt is medium-sized.
Example conversation
Nikos and Kyriaki are ordering coffee at a cafe.
- Νίκος NikosΘέλω έναν καφέ μέσος, παρακαλώ.Thélo énan kafé mésos, parakaló.I want a medium coffee, please.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΚι εγώ θέλω τον ίδιο, Νίκο.Ki egó thélo ton ídio, Níko.I want the same one, Nikos.
- Νίκος NikosΘέλεις μικρό ή μέσος;Thélis mikró í mésos?Do you want a small or a medium?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΟ μέσος είναι αρκετός για μένα.O mésos einai arketós gia ména.The medium is enough for me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “medium” translations and entries μέσος, μέτριος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
