φεγγάρι
fengári/feŋˈɡa.ɾi/neuter
The English word moon is translated into Greek as φεγγάρι (fengári) or σελήνη.
Meaning: the natural satellite of planet Earth (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| φεγγάρι | fengári | /feŋˈɡa.ɾi/ | neuter |
| σελήνη | selíni | /seˈlini/ | feminine |
Both words refer to the natural satellite of the Earth. φεγγάρι is the everyday term and can also refer to moonlight. σελήνη is used when referring to the Moon as a specific astronomical body or in scientific and poetic contexts.
Which one should you use?
φεγγάρι is a neuter noun and is the most common way to say moon or moonlight. σελήνη is a feminine noun used primarily for the Moon as a proper noun or in formal, scientific and astronomical contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of the common neuter form φεγγάρι is φεγγάρια, while the plural of the feminine form σελήνη is σελήνες.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is fengári. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable. The IPA is /feŋˈɡa.ɾi/.
Did you know?
- The word σελήνη is the root of the English word 'selenite' which describes a variety of gypsum crystals that look like the moon.
- The term σελήνη carries a heavy weight of mythological history, as it is the name of the Greek goddess of the moon, whereas φεγγάρι lacks this divine connection.
- The common word φεγγάρι is actually a diminutive form of the Ancient Greek word for 'moonlight' φέγγος.
Examples in context
- Ένα ταξίδι στο φεγγάρι δεν είναι πλέον ένα όνειρο.A trip to the Moon is no longer a dream.This sentence shows the use of φεγγάρι regarding a trip.Tatoeba #2402793 by mululatv, translation #238839 by sundown
- Μιλούσα με το φεγγάρι.I was talking to the moon.This sentence demonstrates using φεγγάρι in a personified way.Tatoeba #11388858 by carlosalberto, translation #11388829 by carlosalberto
- Η Σελήνη είναι πίσω από τα σύννεφα.The moon is behind the clouds.This sentence illustrates the use of σελήνη to refer to the astronomical body.Tatoeba #2159885 by slavogreek, translation #238821 by CK
- Το φεγγάρι λάμπει φωτεινά τη νύχτα.The moon shines brightly at night.
- Κοίτα το φεγγαράκι, είναι τόσο γλυκό!Look at the little moon, it's so sweet!
- Το φεγγαράκι ανατέλλει στον ουρανό.The little moon is rising in the sky.
- Πώς βγήκε το σεληνάκι από νωρίς σήμερα;How did the little moon come out so early today?
- Το σεληνάκι είναι το αγαπημένο μου σύμβολο της νύχτας.The little moon is my favorite symbol of the night.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kyriaki and Nikos are looking at the night sky.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΚόιτα το φεγγάρι, είναι πανέμορφο απόψε!Koíta to fengári, eínai panémorfo apópse!Look at the moon, it is beautiful tonight!
- Νίκος NikosΈχεις δίκιο, είναι σχεδόν γεμάτο.Écheis díkio, eínai schedón gemáto.You are right, it is almost full.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΦωτίζει όλο τον κήπο μας.Fotízei ólo ton kípo mas.It lights up our whole garden.
- Νίκος NikosΝαι, το φεγγάρι είναι πολύ λαμπρό.Ne, to fengári eínai polý lambró.Yes, the moon is very bright.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “moon” translations and entries φεγγάρι, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry Σελήνη.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries φεγγάρι, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
