καθρέφτης
kathréftismasculine
The Greek word for mirror is καθρέφτης (kathréftis).
καθρέφτης refers to a smooth reflecting surface.
Meaning: smooth reflecting surface (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine. The plural form in the nominative case is also καθρέφτης. When the word acts as the direct object of a sentence, it changes to the accusative form καθρέφτη.
How do you pronounce it?
kathréftis
Did you know?
- The modern word καθρέφτης is a descendant of the Ancient Greek word κάτοπτρο, which is the root of the English word 'catoptric', relating to the reflection of light.
- In Ancient Greece, mirrors were often made of polished bronze or silver before glass mirrors became common, yet they used the same root word as καθρέφτης.
- In Greek theater and poetry, the καθρέφτης is often used as a symbol of truth and self-examination, forcing a character to face their real self.
Examples in context
- Ένας καθρέφτης αντανακλά το φως.A mirror reflects light.This sentence shows how καθρέφτης is used with the verb 'reflects'.Tatoeba #2788984 by Zeus, translation #18924 by Swift
- Το πρόσωπο είναι ο καθρέφτης της προσωπικότητάς μας.The face is the mirror of our personality.This sentence uses καθρέφτης in a metaphorical sense regarding personality.Tatoeba #12144739 by carlosalberto, translation #11162092 by jummy
- Ο καθρέφτης στο μπάνιο είναι σπασμένος.O kathréftis sto bántio eínai spasménos.The mirror in the bathroom is broken.
Example conversation
Nikos and Kyriaki are decorating their new home.
- Νίκος NikosΚυριάκη, αυτός ο καθρέφτης είναι πολύ μεγάλος.Kyriaki, aftos o kathreftis einai poly megalos.Kyriaki, this mirror is too big.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΈχεις δίκιο, Νίκο. Δεν χωράει εδώ.Echeis dikio, Niko. Den choraei edo.You are right, Nikos. It doesn't fit here.
- Νίκος NikosΝα βάλουμε τον καθρέφτη στον άλλο τοίχο;Na valoume ton kathrefti ston allo toicho?Shall we put the mirror on the other wall?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝαι, εκεί θα δείχνει καλύτερα.Nai, ekei tha deixnei kalitera.Yes, it will look better there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mirror” translations and entries καθρέφτης, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries καθρέφτης, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
