Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| μαλακός | malakós | /ma.laˈkos/ |
| απαλός | apalós |
The primary way to describe something that is soft to the touch or easily gives way under pressure is using μαλακός. This is the standard term for textures and consistencies, such as soft skin, soft bread or soft pillows. Metaphorically, in a colloquial sense, μαλακός can also be used to describe a person who is weak-willed or easily manipulated.
Which one should you use?
While μαλακός is the standard word for physical texture and consistency, απαλός is used for a more poetic or delicate sense of softness, such as describing soft light or a soft breeze.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form μαλακός changes based on the gender and number of the noun it describes: μαλακή is the feminine singular, μαλακό is the neuter singular, μαλακοί is the masculine plural and μαλακές is the feminine plural.
How do you pronounce it?
The word μαλακός is pronounced /ma.laˈkos/. It has three syllables, and the stress is on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- While μαλακός means 'soft', the noun form μαλάκας is one of the most common and potent insults in modern Greek, used to call someone an idiot or a jerk.
- The word μαλακός is the root for the English word 'malacia', used in medical terms like 'osteomalacia' to describe the softening of bones.
- While μαλακός describes something soft to the touch, if you want to describe a 'soft' sound that is quiet and gentle, a Greek speaker would more likely use the word σιγανός.
Examples in context
- Το μαξιλάρι είναι πολύ μαλακό.The pillow is very soft.
- Αυτό το ύφασμα είναι πολύ απαλό.This fabric is very soft.
- Αυτή η κουβέρτα είναι απαλή σαν βελούδο.This blanket is soft as velvet.
- Έλα, μαλακούλη μου, θα σε κρατήσω σφιχτά.Come here, my soft little one, I will hold you tightly.
Example conversation
Dimitris and Kyriaki are shopping for a new mattress.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΚυριάκη, δες αυτό το στρώμα!Kyriaki, des afto to stroma!Kyriaki, look at this mattress!
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕίναι πολύ μαλακός για μένα.Einai poly malakos gia mena.It is too soft for me.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΠροτιμάς κάτι πιο σκληρό;Protimas kati pio skliro?Do you prefer something firmer?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝαι, αυτό το άλλο είναι καλύτερο.Nai, afto to allo einai kalitero.Yes, this other one is better.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “soft” translations and entries μαλακός, απαλός, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
