Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| σπαγγέτι | spangéti | /spa(ŋ)ˈɡe.ti/ | neuter |
| μακαρόνια | makarónia | /ma.kaˈɾo.ɲa/ | neuter, plural |
The word σπαγγέτι refers specifically to the long, thin, string-shaped pasta. However, in everyday speech, Greeks frequently use the word μακαρόνια as a generic term to refer to all types of pasta, including spaghetti.
Which one should you use?
σπαγγέτι is the specific term for the long, thin shape, while μακαρόνια is a common catch-all term used for pasta in general.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions of Greece, such as the Peloponnese and the Ionian Islands, the word μανέστρα is used locally to refer to spaghetti.
How does it change in a sentence?
μακαρόνια is a neuter plural noun and is almost always used in its plural form when referring to a dish of pasta, such as in the phrase τα μακαρόνια.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /spa(ŋ)ˈɡe.ti/ (spangéti). It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
When do people say it?
The phrase μακαρόνια με κιμά is the standard way to describe a popular Greek dish consisting of pasta served with a minced meat sauce.
Did you know?
- The specific term 'σπαγγέτι' is a direct loanword from Italian, showing how closely the culinary vocabulary of Greece and Italy is linked.
- In Greece, if you ask for μακαρόνια in a traditional tavern, you are more likely to receive a hearty, home-style dish than a gourmet plated pasta course.
- The Greek phrase μακαρόνια με κιμά describes a comfort food staple. Unlike the Italian 'Bolognese', which has a specific origin, this is the standard, everyday Greek way to describe pasta with minced meat.
Examples in context
- Ο Τομ τρώει μακαρόνια.Tom is eating spaghetti.This sentence is useful for showing how to use μακαρόνια to describe someone eating spaghetti.Tatoeba #5593715 by Zeus, translation #1492147 by Spamster
- Σήμερα έχουμε μακαρόνια με κιμά.Today we have spaghetti with meat sauce.This sentence shows how to use μακαρόνια when describing a specific dish of spaghetti with meat sauce.
- Θα μαγειρέψω μακαρόνια σήμερα.I will cook spaghetti today.
- Μου αρέσουν τα σπαγγέτι με ντομάτα.Mou arésoun ta spaggéti me domáta.I like spaghetti with tomato.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is discussing what to cook for dinner.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΘέλεις σπαγγέτι για βραδινό;Thélis spaggéti gia vradinó;Do you want spaghetti for dinner?
- Νίκος NikosΝαι, η Αναστασία θα τα μαγειρέψει;Ne, i Anastasía tha ta mageirépsi;Yes, will Anastasia cook them?
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΕγώ θα τα φτιάξω, Νίκο.Ego tha ta ftiáxo, Níko.I will make them, Nikos.
- Νίκος NikosΤέλεια, περιμένω με ανυπομονησία!Téleia, periméno me anypomonisia!Great, I'm looking forward to it!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spaghetti” translations and entries σπαγγέτι, μακαρόνια, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries σπαγγέτι, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
