Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| κόκκινο | kókkino | /ˈko.ci.no/ | neuter |
| ερυθρό | erythró | neuter | |
| πορφυρό | porfyró | neuter |
The primary way to refer to the color red is through the word κόκκινο. In a metaphorical sense, the related adjective κόκκινος can also be used to describe someone or something as left-wing, socialist or communist.
Which one should you use?
There are three main ways to express the color depending on the context. κόκκινο is the standard, everyday word for the color red used in most contexts. ερυθρό is a more formal or scientific term for red, often used in technical, medical or highly literary contexts. πορφυρό refers to a deep, purplish-red or crimson color and is used primarily in poetic or highly formal literary settings.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms provided are neuter nouns. When using the adjective 'red' to describe a masculine noun, use the form κόκκινος. When using the adjective 'red' to describe feminine plural nouns, use the form κόκκινες.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈko.ci.no/. It has three syllables and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The term 'born in the purple' comes from the Greek custom of emperors being born in a room lined with πορφύρα.
- In ancient times, the dye for πορφύρα was extracted from the mucus of predatory sea snails known as Murex.
- The term ερυθρό appears in the name of the 'erythrocyte', which is the scientific English name for a red blood cell.
Examples in context
- Είναι κόκκινο το μήλο;Is the apple red?This sentence is useful for asking about the color of an apple using κόκκινο.Tatoeba #2590218 by Zeus, translation #2221046 by bluemanshoe
- Το κρασί ήταν κόκκινο.The wine was red.This sentence is useful for describing the color of wine using κόκκινο.Tatoeba #4828406 by Tensai, translation #3951190 by Sanaseppo
- Θέλω το κόκκινο μπαλόνι.I want the red balloon.This sentence is useful for specifying a particular balloon using κόκκινο.Tatoeba #5591438 by Zeus, translation #2638772 by Joseph
- Έχει ένα κόκκινο αυτοκίνητο.He has a red car.
- Η τσάντα της είναι κόκκινη.Her bag is red.
- Το φόρεμα της είναι κόκκινο.Her dress is red.
- Το μήλο είναι κόκκινο.The apple is red.
- Η τηγανιά μου είναι κόκκινη.My frying pan is red.
- Ο τοίχος είναι κόκκινος.The wall is red.
- Η φούστα μου είναι κόκκινη.My skirt is red.
- 71 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dimitris and Eleni are looking at clothes in a store.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΣου αρέσει αυτό το κόκκινο πουκάμισο;Sou arései aftó to kókkino poukámiso?Do you like this red shirt?
- Ελένη EleniΝαι, είναι πολύ όμορφο.Nai, einai polý ómorpho.Yes, it is very beautiful.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΠιστεύω ότι το κόκκινο σου ταιριάζει.Pistévo óti to kókkino sou tairiázei.I believe that red suits you.
- Ελένη EleniΕυχαριστώ, θα το πάρω!Efcharistó, tha to páro!Thank you, I will take it!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “red” translations and entries κόκκινο, ερυθρό, πορφυρό, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
