ασήμι
asímineuter
In Greek, silver can be expressed as ασήμι (asími) or άργυρος.
Meaning: metal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ασήμι | asími | neuter | |
| άργυρος | árgyros | /ˈaɾ.ʝi.ɾos/ | masculine |
Depending on whether you are discussing the chemical element, the material or an object's appearance, different forms are used.
Which one should you use?
Use the neuter noun ασήμι when referring to silver as a substance or material. Use the masculine noun άργυρος when referring to silver in a scientific, formal or poetic context as a specific metal or element.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe something's appearance, you can use the adjective ασημένιος to mean silvery or having the appearance of silver. If you want to describe an object that is actually made of silver, such as jewelry, use the adjective αργυρός.
How do you pronounce it?
asími
Did you know?
- The word ασήμι comes from an ancient term meaning 'unmarked' or 'without marks'. This referred to silver bullion that had not yet been stamped as official coinage.
- In Greek folklore, ασήμι is often associated with purity and is sometimes used in traditional protective charms to ward off the 'evil eye'.
- The distinction between ασήμι and άργυρος means that a poet and a jeweler might use two completely different words to describe the same silver ring.
Examples in context
- Το ασήμι είναι φθηνότερο από το χρυσό.Silver is cheaper than gold.This sentence is useful for comparing the price of ασήμι to gold.Tatoeba #11536504 by carlosalberto, translation #6330639 by RudeGuyGames
- Η πολύτιμη αργυρή καράφα είναι κληρονομιά της οικογένειας μας.The precious silver carafe is a family heirloom.
- Η κομψή λαμπάδα είναι αργυρού χρώματος.The elegant candlestick is silver-colored.
- Το ασήμι είναι πολύ λαμπερό.To asimi einai poly lampero.The silver is very shiny.
- Αυτό το κόσμημα είναι από ασήμι.Afto to kosima einai apo asimi.This jewelry is made of silver.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dimitris and Kyriaki are looking at a jewelry box in a shop.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΚυριακή, κοίτα αυτό το δαχτυλίδι!Kyriaki, koita afto to dachtylidi!Kyriaki, look at this ring!
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕίναι όμορφο, αλλά είναι από ασήμι;Einai omorfo, alla einai apo asimi;It is beautiful, but is it silver?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΝαι, ο πωλητής είπε ότι είναι καθαρό ασήμι.Nai, o politis eipe oti einai katharo asimi.Yes, the salesman said it is pure silver.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΤότε είναι τέλειο για εσένα, Δημήτρη.Tote einai teleio gia esena, Dimitri.Then it is perfect for you, Dimitris.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “silver” translations and entries ασήμι, άργυρος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries άργυρος, ασήμι, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
