πεθερά
petherá/pe.θeˈɾa/feminine
The Greek word for mother-in-law is πεθερά (petherá).
πεθερά is a feminine noun used to refer to the mother of one's spouse.
Meaning: spouse's mother (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
When the mother-in-law is the direct object of a sentence, the word takes the accusative form την πεθερά.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /pe.θeˈɾa/. It has three syllables, and the stress is on the third syllable: petherá.
Did you know?
- The word πεθερά is a shortened version of πενθερά. In spoken Greek, the 'ν' is often dropped for ease of pronunciation.
- While πεθερά is the standard term, some Greeks may refer to their mother-in-law as μαμά to show affection or closeness.
- In some Greek folk songs and traditional stories, the πεθερά is often portrayed as a formidable or even villainous character who creates conflict within the household.
Examples in context
- Η πεθερά μου είναι πολύ ευγενική.My mother-in-law is very kind.
- Την επισκέφτηκα την πεθερά μου σήμερα.Tin episkéftíka tin petherá mou símera.I visited my mother-in-law today.
Example conversation
Kostas and Eleni are talking about a family visit.
- Κώστας KostasΗ πεθερά μου έρχεται το Σάββατο.I petherá mou érchetai to Sávvato.My mother-in-law is coming on Saturday.
- Ελένη EleniΘα μαγειρέψουμε κάτι μαζί για αυτήν;Tha mageirépsoume káti mazí gia aftín?Shall we cook something together for her?
- Κώστας KostasΝαι, θα της αρέσει πολύ αυτό.Nai, tha tis arései polý aftó.Yes, she will like that very much.
- Ελένη EleniΤότε θα πάρω τα υλικά αύριο.Tóte tha páro ta yliká ávrio.Then I will get the ingredients tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mother-in-law” translations and entries πεθερά, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries πεθερά, CC BY-SA 4.0.
