γουρούνι
gouroúni/ɣuˈɾuni/neuter
The English word 'pig' is translated into Greek as γουρούνι (gouroúni).
The term refers to the mammal of the family Suidae. Idiomatically, the phrase σαν γουρούνι (like a pig) is used to describe someone who is eating greedily or behaving in a messy and unrefined manner.
Meaning: mammal of family Suidae (noun)
Which one should you use?
The word γουρούνι is the common, everyday term used in general conversation, whereas χοίρος is a more formal or biological term used to refer to swine.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Χοιράδιο is an informal way to say pig that is found in some regions, commonly in rural or suburban areas.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun γουρούνι is neuter. Its plural form is γουρούνια.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɣuˈɾuni/
Did you know?
- The common word γουρούνι is actually a diminutive, meaning it evolved from a word describing a 'little grunter'.
- The word γουρούνι evolved from a Byzantine Greek form γουρούνιν which was previously γουρούνιον.
Examples in context
- Το γουρούνι είναι ροζ.The pig is pink.This sentence is useful for describing the color of the γουρούνι.Tatoeba #2504476 by Zeus, translation #2504051 by Ricardo14
- Ο Τομ ιδρώνει σαν γουρούνι.Tom is sweating like a pig.This sentence demonstrates the idiomatic use of γουρούνι to describe someone sweating profusely.Tatoeba #5550993 by Zeus, translation #3060862 by sharptoothed
- Εχω φάει σαν γουρούνι.I've eaten like a pig.This sentence shows how to use γουρούνι idiomatically to describe eating greedily.Tatoeba #9115047 by Nylez, translation #9127296 by Nylez
- Έχουμε στη φάρμα μας περίπου 100 χοίρους.We have about 100 pigs on our farm.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Giorgos are visiting a farm.
- Μαρία MariaΚοίτα, Γιώργο, ένα μικρό γουρούνι!Koíta, Giórgo, éna mikró gouroúni!Look, Giorgos, a little pig!
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕίναι πολύ χαριτωμένο αυτό το γουρούνι.Eínai polý charitoméno aftó to gouroúni.This pig is very cute.
- Μαρία MariaΜπορούμε να το ταΐσουμε;Boroúme na to taísoume?Can we feed it?
- Γιώργος GiorgosΝαι, ο αγρότης είπε ότι μπορούμε.Nai, o agrótes eípe óti boroúme.Yes, the farmer said that we can.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pig” translations and entries γουρούνι, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries γουρούνι, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
