η βασίλισσά μου
i vasílissá mou
The English phrase "my queen" is translated into Greek as η βασίλισσά μου (i vasílissá mou).
This phrase is used as a term of endearment or respect to address a woman who is loved or highly admired.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "the queen my" because Greek uses the definite article η (the) before the noun even when a possessive pronoun follows.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you need to indicate possession or the phrase "of my queen", the form changes to the genitive case: της βασίλισσάς μου. In this case, the article changes to της and the noun becomes της βασίλισσάς.
How do you pronounce it?
i vasílissá mou
Did you know?
- In modern Greek culture, calling a woman η βασίλισσά μου can sometimes be used ironically or playfully to tease someone who is acting overly demanding.
- The word βασίλισσα shares a root with the word 'basilica', a type of large building that was originally used for public gatherings in Roman times.
- In Ancient Greek, the term for 'queen' could refer to a female ruler, but the word βασίλισσα specifically carries a sense of being the 'consort' or 'wife' of a king.
Examples in context
- Εγώ είμαι ο βασιλιάς σου και εσύ είσαι η βασίλισσά μου.I'm your king and you're my queen.This sentence shows how to use η βασίλισσά μου in a reciprocal statement about a king and a queen.Tatoeba #11528880 by carlosalberto, translation #11528836 by carlosalberto
- Είσαι η βασίλισσά μου.Eísai i vasilissá mou.You are my queen.
Example conversation
Giorgos brings breakfast in bed to Kyriaki.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΣου έφερα τον καφέ σου, η βασίλισσά μου.Sou éfera ton kafé sou, i vasílissá mou.I brought you your coffee, my queen.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕίσαι πολύ γλυκός, Γιώργο!Eísai polý glykós, Giórgo!You are very sweet, Giorgos!
- Γιώργος GiorgosΑξίζεις τα καλύτερα στο πρωινό σου.Axízeis ta kalýtera sto proinó sou.You deserve the best for your breakfast.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕυχαριστώ πολύ, αγάπη μου.Efcharistó polý, agápe mou.Thank you very much, my love.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
