κολοκυθάκι
kolokytháki
The Greek word for squash is κολοκυθάκι (kolokytháki).
κολοκυθάκι refers to a type of vegetable that belongs to the gourd family, specifically the smaller summer squash.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a diminutive of κολοκύθα (kolokýtha), which means pumpkin. Therefore, κολοκυθάκι literally translates to little pumpkin.
Which one should you use?
While κολοκυθάκι refers to the smaller summer squash, the word κολοκύθα is used for the larger pumpkin.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the word is κολοκυθάκια (kolokythákia).
How do you pronounce it?
kolokytháki
Did you know?
- In Greek folklore, the κολοκύθα (pumpkin) is often associated with wealth and prosperity, making it a symbolic presence in certain regional harvest festivals.
- The root word κολοκύθι (marrow) is used in some Greek dialects to describe not just the plant, but any elongated, gourd-like object.
- While κολοκυθάκι is the diminutive form, the suffix -άκι is used throughout Greek to turn a standard noun into something 'small' or 'cute'.
Examples in context
- Μήπως μπορείτε να φέρετε μια κολοκύθα;Can you bring a squash, please?
- Προτιμάς το κολοκυθάκι με λάδι ή με σάλτσα;Protifás to kolokytháki me ládi í me saltsa;Do you prefer squash with oil or with sauce?
Example conversation
In a kitchen while preparing dinner.
- Κώστας KostasΚυριακή, πήρες το κολοκυθάκι από το ψυγείο;Kyriakí, píres to kolokytháki apó to psygío;Kyriaki, did you take the squash from the fridge?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝαι, Κώστα, το έχω ήδη στο πάγκο.Ne, Kósta, to ékhō ídi stō págko.Yes, Kostas, I already have it on the counter.
- Κώστας KostasΕίναι φρέσκο το κολοκυθάκι που αγόρασες;Íne frésko to kolokytháki pou agórases;Is the squash you bought fresh?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝαι, είναι πολύ καλό.Ne, íne polý kaló.Yes, it is very good.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry κολοκυθάκι, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
