μπάμια
bámia/ˈba.mɲa/
The Greek word for okra is μπάμια (bámia).
Meaning: edible capsules of A. esculentus (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural is μπάμιες, which is the form usually used for the vegetable as a dish.
How do you pronounce it?
Romanized it is bámia, two syllables with the stress on the first. In IPA it is /ˈba.mɲa/, and the m and i blend into one sound close to the ny in canyon.
When do people say it?
Okra cooked slowly in olive oil and tomato is a classic Greek dish, known as μπάμιες λαδερές.
Did you know?
- The Greek word μπάμια is a linguistic relative of the Arabic word 'bamya', which filtered into Greek through Ottoman Turkish.
- The term λαδερές used to describe μπάμιες literally means 'greasy', but in a Greek culinary context, it is a compliment that implies the dish is rich and succulent from olive oil.
- During Orthodox Christian fasting periods, μπάμιες are prepared as a strictly vegan meal to comply with religious dietary restrictions.
Examples in context
- Οι μπάμιες λαδερές ήταν νόστιμες.The okra cooked in olive oil was delicious.μπάμιες λαδερές names okra cooked in olive oil, a popular home-cooked dish.
- Το μαγείρεμα με τις μπάμιες είναι παραδοσιακό.Cooking with okra is traditional.
- Αγοράζω φρέσκα μπάμια από την αγορά.Agorázo fréska mbámia apó tin agorá.I am buying fresh okra from the market.
Example conversation
Giorgos and Anastasia are planning a dinner menu.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΤι θα μαγειρέψουμε σήμερα;Ti tha magirépsoume símera?What shall we cook today?
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΈχω μπάμια στο ψυγείο.Ékho bmpámia sto psigheío.I have okra in the fridge.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΘέλεις να τις κάνουμε με κρέας;Thélis na tis kánoume me kréas?Do you want to make them with meat?
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΝαι, Γιώργο, είναι μια καλή ιδέα.Ne, Giórgo, eínai mia kalí idéa.Yes, Giorgos, that is a good idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “okra” translations and entries μπάμια, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries μπάμια, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
