ρακή
rakí/ɾaˈci/feminine
Raki is the English term for the Greek word ρακή (rakí). It is also spelled ρακί (rakí).
Meaning: liqueur flavored with anise (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ρακή | rakí | /ɾaˈci/ | feminine |
| ρακί | rakí | feminine, alternative form |
ρακή refers to a liqueur flavored with anise.
Which one should you use?
ρακί is an alternative spelling of ρακή.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some mountainous northern regions of Greece, τσίπουρο is used interchangeably with ρακή. In Cyprus, the traditional grape-based spirit similar to raki is called ζιβανία.
How does it change in a sentence?
ρακή is a feminine noun, meaning any accompanying adjectives must also be in the feminine form.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is rakí.
Did you know?
- The name ρακή is actually a linguistic traveler that was borrowed from Ottoman Turkish.
- In Greek culture, ρακή is often served as a gesture of hospitality to guests immediately upon arrival, often accompanying small plates called μεζέδες.
- In traditional rural Greek societies, the distillation of ρακή was often a communal event where neighbors helped each other process their grape harvests.
Examples in context
- Θέλεις λίγο ρακή;theleis ligo raki;Do you want some raki?
Example conversation
Eleni and Nikos are dining at a traditional tavern.
- Ελένη EleniΝίκο, θέλεις λίγη ρακή;Níko, thélis lígi rakí?Nikos, do you want some raki?
- Νίκος NikosΝαι, φέρτσε μου ένα ποτήρι.Ne, fértse mou éna potíri.Yes, bring me a glass.
- Ελένη EleniΘα παραγγείλω ρακή για όλους.Tha parangílo rakí gia ólous.I will order raki for everyone.
- Νίκος NikosΕυχαριστώ, Ελένη!Efcharistó, Eléni!Thank you, Eleni!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “raki” translations and entries ρακή, ρακί, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ρακή, CC BY-SA 4.0.
