μαξιλάρι
maxilárineuter
The English word pillow is translated into Greek as μαξιλάρι (maxilári). Wiktionary also lists προσκέφαλο (proskéfalo).
Meaning: soft cushion used to support the head in bed (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| μαξιλάρι | maxilári | neuter |
| προσκέφαλο | proskéfalo | neuter |
Both μαξιλάρι and προσκέφαλο refer to a soft cushion used to support the head in bed.
What does it mean word for word?
The term προσκέφαλο is composed of the prefix προσ– (towards/at) and κεφαλή (head), literally meaning something placed at the head.
Which one should you use?
μαξιλάρι is the common word for a bed pillow. In contrast, προσκέφαλο is a more formal or technical term often used to refer to a headrest or the part of a pillow that supports the head.
How does it change in a sentence?
The common neuter noun μαξιλάρι becomes μαξιλάρια in its plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
maxilári
Did you know?
- The word μαξιλάρι shares an unexpected ancestor with the English word 'maxilla', which refers to the jawbone.
- In older Greek literature, the term προσκέφαλο was sometimes used to describe the stone headrests used in ancient antiquity before soft pillows became common.
- In certain Greek idioms, the idea of a μαξιλάρι can be associated with 'softness' or 'laziness' when describing a person's character.
Examples in context
- Το μαξιλάρι δεν είναι καθαρό.The pillow isn't clean.This sentence is useful for describing the cleanliness of a μαξιλάρι.Tatoeba #5485944 by Zeus, translation #3779312 by tanay
- Ο Τομ κοιμήθηκε χωρίς μαξιλάρι.Tom slept without a pillow.This sentence uses μαξιλάρι to describe sleeping without one.Tatoeba #5383292 by Zeus, translation #5383204 by CK
- Αυτό το μαξιλάρι παρα είναι μαλακό για εμένα.This pillow is too soft for me.This sentence uses μαξιλάρι to comment on the softness of the cushion.Tatoeba #7266814 by amoeba, translation #3030942 by sharptoothed
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anastasia is helping Georgios organize the bedroom.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΠού είναι το νέο μου μαξιλάρι;Pou einai to neo mou maxilari?Where is my new pillow?
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΕίναι πάνω στο κρεβάτι, Γιώργο.Einai pano sto krevati, Giorgo.It is on the bed, Georgios.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕίναι πολύ άνετο αυτό το μαξιλάρι.Einai poly aneto afto to maxilari.This pillow is very comfortable.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΧαίρομαι που σου αρέσει, Αναστασία.Hairomai pou sou aresei, Anastasia.I am glad you like it, Anastasia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pillow” translations and entries μαξιλάρι, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries μαξιλάρι, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
