πικάντικος
pikantikos
The English word "spicy" is translated into Greek as πικάντικος (pikantikos).
The word πικάντικος is an adjective used to describe food that provides a burning sensation due to chilies or other spices.
Meaning: providing a burning sensation due to chilies and other spices (adj)
Which one should you use?
While πικάντικος refers to the flavor of spices, the word καυτός is used to describe the physical sensation of heat or a "burning" sensation from chili peppers.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes its ending based on the gender of the noun it describes. Use πικάντικη for feminine nouns, such as a sauce (σάλτσα) and πικάντικο for neuter nouns, such as a dish (φαγητό).
How do you pronounce it?
pikantikos
Did you know?
- The word πικάντικος is a loanword from the French 'piquant'. It was adopted into Greek to describe a specific refined flavor rather than just a burning sensation.
- If you tell a Greek person that a person is πικάντικος, they might not think you are talking about their taste in food, but rather that they have a 'spicy' or 'piquant' personality.
- When describing a very spicy dish, Greeks often use the phrase καίει which literally means 'it burns' as a verb rather than using the adjective πικάντικος.
Examples in context
- Αυτή η σάλτσα είναι πολύ πικάντικη.This sauce is very spicy.
- Αυτό το φαγητό είναι πολύ καυτερό.This food is very spicy.
- Δοκίμασε αυτήν τη σάλτσα, έχει ένα ωραίο καυτεράκι.Try this sauce, it has a nice kick of spice.
- Αυτό το φαγητό μου καίει το στόμα!This food is burning my mouth!
- Μπορείτε να το κάνετε λιγότερο πικάντικο, παρακαλώ;Can you make it less spicy, please?
