Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| χαστούκι | chastoúki | /xaˈstu.ci/ | neuter |
| σφαλιάρα | sfaliára | /sfaˈʎaɾa/ | feminine |
Both χαστούκι and σφαλιάρα refer to a blow dealt with the open hand. The word χαστούκι is the more common, colloquial term for a slap, often implying a quick, sharp sound.
Which one should you use?
The word σφαλιάρα is a more emphatic or intense version of a slap, often used to describe a particularly hard or heavy blow. Σφαλιάρα is a frequently used term to portray a slap with a sense of impact and loudness.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
χαστούκι is a neuter noun, so it takes neuter adjectives and articles. Its verbal counterpart is χαστουκίζω. σφαλιάρα is a feminine noun, so it takes feminine adjectives and articles. Its verbal counterpart is σφαλιαρίζω.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of chastoúki is /xaˈstu.ci/. It has three syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- There is a theory that χαστούκι could be an ancient borrowing from Arabic, specifically linked to the word ḵadd, meaning 'cheek'.
- The verb χαστουκίζω can be used colloquially to describe a sudden, unexpected shock or a 'blow' from fate, even if no hand is involved.
Examples in context
- ανάποδο χαστούκιBackhander (slap with the back of the hand)This example shows how to describe a backhander using χαστούκι.
- Η Τζένη του έδωσε χαστούκι όταν προσπάθησε να της βάλει χέρι.Jenny gave him a slap when he tried to grope her.This example illustrates the use of χαστούκι in a sentence describing an interaction.
Example conversation
Dimitris and Maria are discussing a dramatic scene in a movie.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΕίδες το χαστούκι που έδωσε η ηρωίδα;Eides to chastouki pou edose i iroida?Did you see the slap the heroine gave?
- Μαρία MariaΝαι, ήταν πολύ δυνατό!Ne, itan poly dynato!Yes, it was very strong!
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΔεν το περίμενα καθόλου.Den to perimena katholou.I didn't expect it at all.
- Μαρία MariaΕίχε κάθε δικαίωμα να το κάνει.Eiche kathe dikaioma na to kanei.She had every right to do it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slap” translations and entries χαστούκι, σφαλιάρα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries σφαλιάρα, χαστούκι, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
