μαϊμού
maïmoú/mai̯ˈmu/feminine
The English word "monkey" can be translated into Greek as μαϊμού (maïmoú) or πίθηκος.
Meaning: primate (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| μαϊμού | maïmoú | /mai̯ˈmu/ | feminine |
| πίθηκος | píthikos | masculine |
Both terms refer to a primate.
Which one should you use?
μαϊμού is a feminine noun, while πίθηκος is a masculine noun.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a feminine noun, μαϊμού is used with feminine articles such as η (the) or μια (a). The masculine noun πίθηκος is used with masculine articles such as ο (the) or ένας (a).
How do you pronounce it?
maïmoú
Did you know?
- In modern Greek slang, calling someone a μαϊμού can imply they are a fake or a counterfeit, such as a 'monkey' version of a brand name product.
- The word μαϊμού has traveled a long way through history, originating in Arabic and passing through Turkish before entering the Greek language during the Ottoman period.
- The ancient word πίθηκος is the direct ancestor of many scientific names for primates used in English and other European languages.
Examples in context
- Η μαϊμού έπεσε απ' το δέντρο.The monkey fell from the tree.This sentence is useful for seeing μαϊμού used in a sentence about falling from a tree.Tatoeba #13569983 by ninefi, translation #402354 by CK
- Η μαϊμού σκαρφαλώνει γρήγορα στο δέντρο.The monkey climbs rapidly in the tree.This sentence is useful for seeing μαϊμού used in a sentence about climbing a tree.Tatoeba #11284304 by carlosalberto, translation #6831615 by Eccles17
- Η μαϊμού ήπιε νερό αφού έφαγε μια μπανάνα.The monkey drank water after eating a banana.This sentence is useful for seeing μαϊμού used in a sentence about eating and drinking.Tatoeba #13668646 by ninefi, translation #13667810 by mervert1
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giorgos and Maria are visiting the zoo together.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΚοίτα Μαρία, η μαϊμού είναι πολύ αστεία!Koíta María, i maïmú eina polý astía!Look Maria, the monkey is very funny!
- Μαρία MariaΝαι, μου αρέσει πώς κινείται.Nai, mou arései pós kinéitai.Yes, I like how it moves.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΘέλεις να δούμε άλλη μια μαϊμού;Théleis na doúme álli mia maïmú?Do you want to see another monkey?
- Μαρία MariaΑς πάμε να δούμε τους ελέφαντες τώρα.As páme na doúme tous eléfantes tóra.Let's go see the elephants now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “monkey” translations and entries μαϊμού, πίθηκος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries μαϊμού, πίθηκος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
