δηλητήριο
dilitírioneuter
The Greek word for poison is δηλητήριο (dilitírio). Wiktionary also lists φαρμάκι (farmáki).
Meaning: substance harmful to a living organism (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| δηλητήριο | dilitírio | neuter | |
| φαρμάκι | farmáki | /faɾˈma.ci/ | colloquial, neuter |
The term refers to a substance that is harmful to a living organism.
Which one should you use?
While both words mean poison, δηλητήριο is the standard term, whereas φαρμάκι is used in more casual settings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
δηλητήριο is the formal term used in scientific, medical or news contexts. In everyday speech, you may hear the colloquial term φαρμάκι.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the action of poisoning someone or something, use the verb δηλητηριάζω.
How do you pronounce it?
dilitírio
Did you know?
- In Ancient Greek, a φάρμακος was not just a poison, but a human scapegoat. This person was ritualistically cast out of a city to 'absorb' the community's bad luck or plague.
- The word φαρμάκι is a direct relative of the English word 'pharmacy'. Both derive from the Ancient Greek φάρμακον, which could mean either a cure or a poison.
- While δηλητήριο is the standard word for poison, the term φαρμάκι is sometimes used metaphorically to describe a very strong, concentrated alcoholic drink.
Examples in context
- Μια σταγόνα από το δηλητήριο αρκεί να σκοτώσει 160 ανθρώπους.One drop of the poison is enough to kill 160 people.This sentence shows how a single drop of the δηλητήριο can be lethal.Tatoeba #3741377 by carlosalberto, translation #376412 by saeb
- Είναι δηλητήριο.It's poison.This sentence is used to identify that something is δηλητήριο.Tatoeba #12154324 by carlosalberto, translation #1894564 by CK
- Μια σταγόνα από αυτό το δηλητήριο είναι αρκετή για να σκοτώσει εκατόν εξήντα ανθρώπους.One drop of this poison is enough to kill 160 people.This sentence uses δηλητήριο to describe the lethal potential of a drop of a substance.Tatoeba #11272124 by carlosalberto, translation #892678 by Scott
Example conversation
In a laboratory, a scientist warns a colleague about a substance.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΠροσοχή, αυτό το δηλητήριο είναι πολύ ισχυρό.Prosochi, afto to dilitirio einai poly ishoro.Watch out, this poison is very strong.
- Μαρία MariaΕίναι επικίνδυνο για τον άνθρωπο;Einai epikindyno gia ton anthropo;Is it dangerous for humans?
- Γιώργος GiorgosΝαι, το δηλητήριο αυτό είναι θανατηφόρο.Nai, to dilitirio afto einai thanatiforo.Yes, this poison is lethal.
- Μαρία MariaΘα πρέπει να το φυλάξουμε προσεκτικά.Tha prepei na to phylaksoume prosekika.We must store it carefully.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “poison” translations and entries δηλητήριο, φαρμάκι, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries δηλητήριο, φαρμάκι, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
