τουρσί
toursí/tuɾˈsi/neuter
In Greek, the word for pickle is τουρσί (toursí). Wiktionary also lists πίκλα (píkla).
Meaning: preserved cucumber (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| τουρσί | toursí | /tuɾˈsi/ | neuter |
| πίκλα | píkla | feminine |
In Greek, τουρσί is used as a collective noun for various types of pickled vegetables, such as cucumbers, cauliflower or peppers.
Which one should you use?
The word τουρσί is a general term for pickled vegetables, whereas πίκλα specifically refers to the English loanword for pickles.
How does it change in a sentence?
τουρσί is a neuter noun. The plural form of the concept of pickled vegetables is often expressed as τουρσίσματα. πίκλα is feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
toursí
Did you know?
- The word τουρσί actually traces its roots back to Persian, traveling through Ottoman Turkish before reaching Greek.
- Greek τουρσί typically uses a brine of vinegar, salt and water, but some regional varieties add honey or sugar to create a sweet and sour profile.
- In Greece, τουρσί is often served as a side dish or appetizer called μεзеδες rather than just a garnish for a sandwich.
Examples in context
- Έχω μια συνταγή για το λεμόνι τουρσί.I have a recipe for lemon pickle.This sentence shows how to use τουρσί in the context of a recipe for lemon pickle.
- Μήπως έχετε τουρσί στο μενού σας;Do you have pickles on your menu?
- Το τουρσί είναι πολύ αλμυρό.To toursi einai poly almuro.The pickle is very salty.
Example conversation
Kostas and Kyriaki are preparing a meal together.
- Κώστας KostasΚυριακή, πού είναι το τουρσί;Kyriáki, poú eínai to toursí?Kyriaki, where is the pickle?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕίναι στο ψυγείο, Κώστα.Eínai sto psygeío, Kósta.It is in the fridge, Kostas.
- Κώστας KostasΘα το βάλω στην πράτα.Tha to válo stin práta.I will put it on the plate.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕντάξει, φέρε το εδώ.Entáxei, fére to edó.Okay, bring it here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pickle” translations and entries τουρσί, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries τουρσί, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
