χταπόδι
chtapódineuter
The Greek word for octopus is χταπόδι (chtapódi).
χταπόδι is used to refer to the mollusc known as an octopus.
Meaning: mollusc (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is a neuter noun. The plural form is χταπόδια (octopuses), and in the genitive singular case, it changes to του χταποδιού (of the octopus).
How do you pronounce it?
chtapódi
Did you know?
- The word χταπόδι is actually a diminutive form, meaning it literally translates to 'little eight-footer'.
- In Greek culinary culture, the word is often used in festive contexts, as octopus is a prized delicacy in many island tavernas.
- While 'octopus' in English is derived from the same Greek root ὀκτάπους, the modern Greek language shifted away from the original form to χταπόδι.
Examples in context
- Ο καρχαρίας έφαγε το χταπόδι.The shark ate the octopus.This sentence illustrates the use of χταπόδι in a simple sentence about a shark eating the animal.Tatoeba #11524524 by carlosalberto, translation #11524511 by carlosalberto
- Στο εστιατόριο αυτό, το ψητό χταπόδι είναι εξαιρετικό!At this restaurant, the grilled octopus is exceptional!
- Το χταπόδι είναι μεγάλο.To chtapodi einai megalo.The octopus is large.
- Βλέπω ένα χταπόδι στον βυθό.Vlepo ena chtapodi ston vytho.I see an octopus on the bottom.
Example conversation
Dimitris and Maria are visiting an aquarium.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΚοίτα, Μαρία, αυτό το χταπόδι είναι τεράστιο!Koíta, María, aftó to chtapódi einai terástio!Look, Maria, this octopus is huge!
- Μαρία MariaΈχεις δίκιο, Δημήτρη, είναι εκπληκτικό.Écheis díkio, Dimítri, einai ekpliktikó.You are right, Dimitris, it is amazing.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΠώς κινείται το χταπόδι στο νερό;Pós kinéitai to chtapódi sto neró?How does the octopus move in the water?
- Μαρία MariaΧρησιμοποιεί τα πλοκάρια του.Chrisimopoiéi ta plokária tou.It uses its tentacles.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “octopus” translations and entries χταπόδι, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries χταπόδι, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
