κατάστημα
katástima/kaˈta.sti.ma/neuter
The Greek word for shop is κατάστημα (katástima) or μαγαζί.
Meaning: establishment that sells goods (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| κατάστημα | katástima | /kaˈta.sti.ma/ | neuter |
| μαγαζί | magazí | /ma.ɣaˈzi/ | neuter |
Both words are used to describe an establishment that sells goods.
Which one should you use?
μαγαζί is the more common, colloquial way to say 'shop' in everyday conversation. In contrast, κατάστημα is a more formal term that often refers to an 'establishment' or 'store' and is frequently seen in official contexts, business registries or on signage.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Both words are neuter nouns. The plural of the common word μαγαζί is μαγαζιά, while the plural of the formal word κατάστημα is καταστήματα.
How do you pronounce it?
katástima (/kaˈta.sti.ma/). The word has 4 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- While κατάστημα is the formal word for 'shop', it is also used in Greek to describe a 'state' or 'condition' of being.
- The common word μαγαζί actually traces its roots back to the Arabic word for a 'storehouse' or 'warehouse' rather than a small retail outlet.
Examples in context
- Υπάρχει ένα κατάστημα εδώ;Is there a shop here?This sentence is useful for asking if a κατάστημα is located in the immediate vicinity.Tatoeba #2684085 by Zeus, translation #2666732 by sundown
- Υπάρχει ένα κατάστημα εκεί;Is there a shop there?This sentence is useful for asking if a κατάστημα is located in a distant location.Tatoeba #2684086 by Zeus, translation #2666735 by CK
- Τι λογής εμπορεύματα πουλάτε στο μαγαζί σας;What sort of merchandise do you sell in your shop?This sentence is useful for asking about the types of goods sold in a μαγαζί.Tatoeba #1503707 by glavkos, translation #9464350 by Nylez
- Πήγα στο κατάστημα για να αγοράσω ένα βιβλίο.I went to the shop to buy a book.
- Πάμε στο μαγαζί για να πάρουμε κάποια ρούχα.Let's go to the shop to get some clothes.
- Έχω βρει ένα όμορφο καταστηματάκι για αξεσουάρ.I found a beautiful little shop for accessories.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dimitris and Kyriaki are walking down a shopping street.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΚοιτάξτε αυτό το όμορφο κατάστημα!Koitáxte aftó to ómorfo katástima!Look at this beautiful shop!
- Κυριακή KyriakiΤι πουλάνε σε αυτό το κατάστημα;Ti poúlane se aftó to katástima;What do they sell in this shop?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΝομίζω ότι πουλάνε βιβλία και περιοδικά.Nomízo óti poúlane vivlía kai periodiká.I think they sell books and magazines.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΑς μπούμε μέσα λοιπόν, Δημήτρη.As μπούμε mésa loipón, Dimítri.Let's go inside then, Dimitris.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shop” translations and entries κατάστημα, μαγαζί, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries κατάστημα, μαγαζί, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
