ζυμαρικά
zymariká
The English word "pasta" is translated into Greek as ζυμαρικά (zymariká).
ζυμαρικά is the standard term used in both daily speech and on food packaging. While 'pasta' is understood in Greece due to international influence, ζυμαρικά is the standard term used in both daily speech and on food packaging.
Meaning: dish or serving (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word ζυμαρικά is derived from the Greek word ζύμη, meaning 'yeast' or 'dough', referring to dough-based products.
How does it change in a sentence?
ζυμαρικά is a neuter plural noun and is almost always used in its plural form when referring to pasta in general.
How do you pronounce it?
zymariká
Did you know?
- The word ζυμαρικά shares a linguistic root with the English word 'enzyme', as both derive from the Greek ζύμη meaning 'leaven' or 'yeast'.
- While ζυμαρικά is the formal term for pasta, many Greeks simply use the word 'μακαρόνια' to refer to almost any shape of pasta, even when it is not macaroni.
- Traditional Greek pasta dishes like trahanas are categorized as ζυμαρικά despite being dried granules rather than long strands or shapes.
Examples in context
- Τρως ζυμαρικά;Do you eat pasta?This sentence is useful for asking if someone eats ζυμαρικά.Tatoeba #7705970 by janMiso, translation #7702267 by Yanahma
- σπαγγέτια με κιμάSpaghetti alla Bolognese
Example conversation
A couple is deciding what to cook for dinner at home.
- Κώστας KostasΘέλεις να φτιάξω ζυμαρικά απόψε;Thélis na ftiáxo zymariká apópse;Do you want me to make pasta tonight?
- Μαρία MariaΝαι, μου αρέσουν πολύ τα ζυμαρικά.Ne, mou aréson polý ta zymariká.Yes, I like pasta a lot.
- Κώστας KostasΈχουμε αρκετά ζυμαρικά στο ντουλάπι;Échoume arketá zymariká sto ntoulápi;Do we have enough pasta in the cupboard?
- Μαρία MariaΌχι, πρέπει να πάμε στο σούπερ μάρκετ.Óchi, prepei na páme sto súper márket.No, we need to go to the supermarket.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ζυμαρικά, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
