μικρός
mikrós/miˈkros/
The English word 'small' is translated into Greek as μικρός (mikrós). Wiktionary also lists μικκός (mikkós).
Meaning: not large (adj)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| μικρός | mikrós | /miˈkros/ |
| μικκός | mikkós |
μικρός is used to describe something that is not large. While it primarily refers to physical size, it is also the standard way to express that someone is young or a child. For something extremely small, you can use the informal adjective Λιλιπούτειος, which translates to 'lilliputian'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes based on the gender of the noun it describes: μικρή is the feminine form and μικρό is the neuter form. To express the comparative 'smaller', use μικρότερος. The word μικροσκοπικός is derived from the same root and means 'microscopic'. Additionally, Greek uses several diminutive suffixes to emphasize smallness or cuteness: -άκι, -ούλικο and -ούλης.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /miˈkros/.
Did you know?
- The Ancient Greek ancestor of μικρός is the source for the English prefix 'micro-', which we use in many scientific terms.
- While μικρός means 'small', it can also be used to describe someone as 'insignificant' or 'unimportant' in a social context.
- Adding the suffix -άκι to a noun creates a diminutive that can express either small size or deep affection. For example, παιδί becomes παιδάκι to mean 'little child' or 'sweet child'.
Examples in context
- Είναι μικρός κι αδύναμος.He is small and weak.This sentence is useful for describing a person who is small and weak using μικρός.Tatoeba #5583178 by Zeus, translation #675707 by Bilberry
- Ο Σάμη είναι πραγματικά μικρός.Sami is really small.This sentence is useful for emphasizing that Sami is really small using μικρός.Tatoeba #7764273 by eypros, translation #6809781 by OsoHombre
- Ο κήπος είναι μικρός.The garden is small.This sentence is useful for describing the size of a garden using μικρός.Tatoeba #11826950 by Seael, translation #11826939 by ddnktr
- Αυτή είναι μια μικρή καρδιά.This is a small heart.
- Ελά 'δω, μικρούλη μου!Come here, my little one!
- Μικρή γάταSmall cat
- Μικρό σπίτιSmall house
- Μικρό αυτοκίνητοSmall car
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kostas and Maria are looking at an apartment.
- Κώστας KostasΣου αρέσει το σαλόνι;Sou aresei to saloni?Do you like the living room?
- Μαρία MariaΕίναι πολύ μικρός χώρος για εμάς.Einai poly mikros choros gia emas.It is a very small space for us.
- Κώστας KostasΈχεις δίκιο, δεν χωράει ο καναπές.Echeis dikio, den choraei o kanapes.You are right, the sofa doesn't fit.
- Μαρία MariaΠρέπει να βρούμε κάτι μεγαλύτερο.Prepei na vroume kati megalytero.We need to find something larger.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “small” translations and entries μικρός, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries μικρός, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
