ξινός
xinósmasculine
The Greek word for sour is ξινός (xinós).
ξινός is used to describe something that has an acidic, sharp or tangy taste. Metaphorically, it can also be used to describe a person's temperament as being sour or grumpy.
Meaning: having an acidic, sharp or tangy taste (adj)
Which one should you use?
While the word primarily describes a physical taste, it is also used to describe a person who is grumpy.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes its ending based on the gender and number of the noun it describes: ξινός is the masculine form, ξινη is the feminine form, ξινό is the neuter form and ξινά is the plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
xinós
Did you know?
- The English word 'acetic' as in 'acetic acid' comes from the same ancient Greek root as ξινός.
- While English speakers might say someone has a 'sour face' to mean they look unhappy, a Greek speaker might use ξινός to describe the physical, puckered appearance of the face itself.
- The word ξινός is an evolutionary descendant of ὄξος, the ancient Greek word for 'vinegar'.
Examples in context
- Το γιαούρτι είναι πολύ ξινό.The yogurt is very sour.
Example conversation
Nikos and Maria are tasting a piece of fruit.
- Νίκος NikosΔοκίμασε αυτόν τον καρπό, Μαρία.Dokimase afton ton karpo, Maria.Try this fruit, Maria.
- Μαρία MariaΕίναι πολύ ξινός!Einai poly xinos!It is very sour!
- Νίκος NikosΈχεις δίκιο, είναι σχεδόν μη ώριμος.Echeis dikio, einai schedon mi orimos.You are right, it is almost unripe.
- Μαρία MariaΠροτίμησε κάτι άλλο, Νίκο.Protimise kati allo, Niko.Choose something else, Nikos.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sour” translations and entries ξινός, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ξινός, CC BY-SA 4.0.
