μαργαριτάρι
margaritári/maɾ.ɣa.ɾiˈta.ɾi/neuter
The English word pearl is μαργαριτάρι (margaritári) in Greek. Wiktionary also lists μαργαριτάρ (margaritár).
Meaning: rounded shelly concretion produced by certain mollusks (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| μαργαριτάρι | margaritári | /maɾ.ɣa.ɾiˈta.ɾi/ | neuter |
| μαργαριτάρ | margaritár |
The term refers to a rounded, shelly concretion produced by certain mollusks.
Which one should you use?
The neuter form μαργαριτάρι is the most common way to refer to a pearl in general usage.
How does it change in a sentence?
The neuter noun μαργαριτάρι has the plural form μαργαριτάρια for pearls.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as margaritári. It has five syllables, with the stress on the fourth syllable.
Did you know?
- The name 'Margaret' used by English speakers is actually a linguistic descendant of the Greek word for pearl, μαργαρίτης.
- In Greek, the word μαργαριτάρι is frequently used as a term of endearment for a child or a loved one, similar to calling someone 'precious' in English.
- Greek culture often associates the image of a pearl with the 'pearl of great price', a biblical metaphor for something of infinite value that requires sacrificing everything else.
Examples in context
- Το μαργαριτάρι είναι πολύ λευκό.To margaritari einai poly lefko.The pearl is very white.
- Βρήκε ένα μαργαριτάρι στον βυθό.Vrike ena margaritari ston vytho.He found a pearl on the seabed.
- Το μαργαριτάρι αυτό λάμπει στο φως.To margaritari afto lampi sto fos.This pearl shines in the light.
Example conversation
Kostas and Anastasia are at a jewelry store.
- Κώστας KostasΑναστασία, δες αυτό το λευκό μαργαριτάρι.Anastasía, des aftó to leukó margaritàri.Anastasia, look at this white pearl.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΕίναι όμορφο, αλλά είναι πολύ μεγάλο.Eínai ómoro, allá eínai polý megálo.It is beautiful, but it is too large.
- Κώστας KostasΠιστεύω ότι θα σου ταίριαζε πολύ.Pistévo óti tha sou táiriaze polý.I think it would suit you very much.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΈχεις δίκιο, το θέλω!Écheis díkio, to thélo!You are right, I want it!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pearl” translations and entries μαργαριτάρι, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
