ουράνιο τόξο
ouránio tóxo/uˈɾa.ni.o ˈto.kso/neuter
The English word rainbow is ουράνιο τόξο (ouránio tóxo) in Greek. Wiktionary also lists ίριδα (írida) and δόξα (dóxa).
Meaning: multicoloured arch in the sky (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ουράνιο τόξο | ouránio tóxo | /uˈɾa.ni.o ˈto.kso/ | neuter |
| ίριδα | írida | ||
| δόξα | dóxa | /ˈðo.ksa/ | feminine, informal |
The primary way to refer to the multicoloured arch in the sky is using the term ουράνιο τόξο.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ουράνιο τόξο is composed of ουράνιο, meaning celestial or heavenly and τόξο, meaning arch or bow.
Which one should you use?
While ουράνιο τόξο is the standard term, ίριδα (iris) is a more poetic or scientific term used to refer to the rainbow or the colored part of the eye. Additionally, δόξα can be used as an informal way to refer to it.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ουράνιο τόξο is the formal and standard term. δόξα is an informal option.
How does it change in a sentence?
As ουράνιο τόξο is a neuter noun, its genitive singular form is του ουράνιου τόξου (of the rainbow).
How do you pronounce it?
It has 6 syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- In Greek, the adjective ουράνιο is used for both the sky and the planet uranium, as both relate to the 'heavens'.
- While ουράνιο τόξο describes the physical shape, the word ίριδα originates from the Greek goddess Iris, the messenger of the gods who traveled on rainbows.
- The word τόξο in ουράνιο τόξο is the exact same word used for a weapon, specifically a bow used for shooting arrows.
Examples in context
- Η γυναίκα ήταν ουράνιο τόξο. Κι ο άντρας, Είχε αχρωμοτοψία!The woman was a rainbow. And the man? He was colorblind!This sentence uses ουράνιο τόξο to contrast a rainbow with colorblindness.Tatoeba #7208324 by janMiso, translation #9464201 by Nylez
- Δεν έχω ποτέ δει ουράνιο τόξο.I've never seen a rainbow.This sentence uses ουράνιο τόξο to express that one has never seen a rainbow.Tatoeba #3321224 by pne, translation #2360078 by CK
- Ίσως να δούμε και ουράνιο τόξο!We may even see a rainbow!This sentence uses ουράνιο τόξο to suggest the possibility of seeing a rainbow.Tatoeba #9163112 by Nylez, translation #9474735 by Nylez
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at the sky after a rainstorm.
- Ελένη EleniΔες, Δημήτρη, ένα υπέροχο ουράνιο τόξο!Des, Dimitri, ena iperochó uránio tóxo!Look, Dimitris, a wonderful rainbow!
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΕίναι πραγματικά εντυπωσιακό, Ελένη.Einai pragmatiká entiposiakó, Eléni.It is truly impressive, Eleni.
- Ελένη EleniΠόσα χρώματα έχει αυτό το ουράνιο τόξο;Pósa chrómata échei aftó to uránio tóxo?How many colors does this rainbow have?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΜπορώ να δω και τα επτά.Boró na do kai ta eptá.I can see all seven.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rainbow” translations and entries ουράνιο τόξο, ίριδα, δόξα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ίριδα, δόξα, ουράνιο τόξο, τόξο, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
