γλυκό
glykó
The Greek word for pastry is γλυκό (glykó).
In a bakery or cafe context, γλυκό is the standard way to refer to a single sweet pastry or dessert item. While it can mean any sweet, it is the standard way to refer to a single sweet pastry or dessert item.
Meaning: baked food item (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word γλυκό literally means 'sweet'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form γλυκά is used when referring to multiple pastries or sweets in general.
How do you pronounce it?
glykó
Did you know?
- In Greece, the word γλυκό can refer to a dessert, but if you are eating a 'spoon sweet' known as γλυκό του κουταλιού, it is actually a preserved fruit served as a welcoming gesture to guests.
- The word γλυκό is related to the English word 'glucose', as both derive from the same ancient Greek root for 'sweet'.
- While γλυκό refers to a sweet pastry, the term ζάχαρη is used for sugar. Interestingly, both words share an ancient root linked to the idea of sweetness, but ζάχαρη is a loanword from Sanskrit via Arabic.
Examples in context
- Τα γλυκά είναι νόστιμαThe pastries are delicious
- Αυτό το γλυκό είναι πολύ νόστιμο.Afto to glyko einai poly nostimo.This pastry is very delicious.
- Θέλω ένα γλυκό με κρέμα.Thelo ena glyko me krema.I want a pastry with cream.
- Πού μπορώ να βρω ένα καλό γλυκό;Pou boro na vro ena kalo glyko;Where can I find a good pastry?
Example conversation
In a small Greek bakery.
- Ελένη EleniΈχετε κάποιο φρέσκο γλυκό;Echete kapoio fresko glyko;Do you have any fresh pastry?
- Κώστας KostasΝαι, έχουμε αυτή την τάρτα.Nai, echoume afti tin tarta.Yes, we have this tart.
- Ελένη EleniΕίναι αυτό το γλυκό μεγάλο;Einai afto to glyko megalo;Is this pastry large?
- Κώστας KostasΝαι, είναι αρκετά μεγάλο.Nai, einai arketá megalo.Yes, it is quite large.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry γλυκό, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
