βασίλισσα
vasílissa/vaˈsi.li.sa/feminine
The English word "queen" is translated into Greek as βασίλισσα (vasílissa).
βασίλισσα is a feminine noun used to refer to a female monarch.
Meaning: female monarch (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of βασίλισσα is βασίλισσες. When the word acts as the direct object of a sentence, it takes the accusative form βασίλισσας.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /vaˈsi.li.sa/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The English name 'Basil' comes from the same Greek root as βασίλισσα, specifically from βασίλειος, meaning 'royal'.
- In Modern Greek, calling a woman βασίλισσα can be a high compliment regarding her elegance, but in certain slang contexts, it can imply she is acting spoiled or entitled.
- The root of βασίλισσα is the word βασιλεύς, which in Ancient Greece often referred to a local chieftain or tribal leader rather than a supreme monarch.
Examples in context
- η βασίλισσα των μελισσώνThe queen beeThis sentence shows how to use βασίλισσα when referring to a queen bee.
- Η κόρη του είναι βασίλισσα της ομορφιάς.His daughter is a queen of beauty.This sentence illustrates a metaphorical use of βασίλισσα regarding beauty.
- Η Μαρία Αντουανέτα ήταν βασίλισσα της Γαλλίας.Marie Antoinette was the queen of France.This sentence demonstrates how to use βασίλισσα when identifying a historical queen.
- Η Βασίλισσα παρευρέθηκε στην τελετή ορκωμοσίας.The Queen attended the swearing-in ceremony.
- Η Βασίλισσα της Ισπανίας επισκέφτηκε τη χώρα μας.The Queen of Spain visited our country.
- Η Βασίλισσα ήταν πολύ φιλική μαζί μου.The queen was very friendly with me.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anastasia and Kostas are discussing a history book.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΠοια ήταν η βασίλισσα σε αυτή την ιστορία;Poia itan i vasílissa se aftí tin istoría;Who was the queen in this story?
- Κώστας KostasΗ βασίλισσα ήταν πολύ δίκαιη με τον λαό της.I vasílissa itan polý díkai i me ton laó tis.The queen was very fair to her people.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΕίχε μεγάλη δύναμη στο παλάτι;Eíche megáli dýnami sto paláti;Did she have great power in the palace?
- Κώστας KostasΝαι, ήταν η πιο ισχυρή βασίλισσα της εποχής.Ne, itan i pio ischyrí vasílissa tis epochís.Yes, she was the most powerful queen of the era.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “queen” translations and entries βασίλισσα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
