γαρίδα
garída/ɣa.ˈɾi.ða/feminine
In Greek, the word for shrimp is γαρίδα (garída).
γαρίδα refers to the flesh of the crustacean.
Meaning: flesh of the crustacean (noun)
Which one should you use?
While γαρίδα is the standard term, you may encounter Γαριδάκι to refer specifically to a tiny shrimp or shrimplet and Γαριδούλα is used as a nickname meaning little shrimp or shrimpy.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form for multiple shrimps is γαρίδες. To indicate possession or to say 'of the shrimp', use the genitive singular form της γαρίδας. The word γαρίδα is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- In Greek culture, adding the suffix -ούλα to create Γαριδούλα transforms the word from a food item into a term of endearment.
- When ordering γαρίδες in a traditional Greek taverna, they are most frequently served σαγανάκι style, which means they are sautéed in a small clay pot.
- The word γαρίδα is derived from the Ancient Greek word καρίς, which referred to a prawn.
Examples in context
- Η γαριδούλα αυτή είναι τόσο νόστιμη!This shrimpy [little] one is so delicious!
- Η γαρίδα είναι πολύ φρέσκια.I garída einai polý fréskia.The shrimp is very fresh.
Example conversation
Maria and Kostas are looking at a menu in a seafood restaurant.
- Μαρία MariaΚώστα, θέλεις να παραγγείλουμε γαρίδα;Kósta, thélis na parangíloume garída?Kostas, do you want to order shrimp?
- Κώστας KostasΝαι, η γαρίδα είναι το αγαπημένο μου.Nai, i garída eínai to agapiméno mou.Yes, shrimp is my favorite.
- Μαρία MariaΘα πάρω μία μερίδα τζάμπο γαρίδα.Tha páro mía merída djámbo garída.I will have a portion of jumbo shrimp.
- Κώστας KostasΚαι εγώ θα πάρω το ίδιο.Kai egó tha páro to idío.I will have the same.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shrimp” translations and entries γαρίδα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries γαρίδα, CC BY-SA 4.0.
