σκίουρος
skíouros/ˈsci.u.ros/masculine
The Greek word for squirrel is σκίουρος (skíouros).
σκίουρος is a noun used to refer to the rodent known as a squirrel.
Meaning: rodent (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
σκίουρος is a masculine noun. To indicate possession, such as "of the squirrel", use the genitive singular form σκίουρου. When the squirrel is the direct object of a verb, use the accusative singular form σκίουρα. The plural form for multiple squirrels is σκίουροι.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈsci.u.ros/. It has three syllables and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word σκίουρος comes from the Ancient Greek words for 'shadow' and 'tail', describing the way a squirrel's tail provides shade.
- In Greek mythology, the concept of a 'squirrel' is almost non-existent, unlike the prominent roles of owls or foxes in local fables.
- If you call a squirrel a σκίουρος in a Greek-speaking forest, you are using the exact same noun that a philosopher in the 5th century BC would have used.
Examples in context
- Ο ιπτάμενος σκίουρος κατέβηκε πετώντας από το δέντρο.The flying squirrel came flying down from the tree.This sentence shows how to describe a flying squirrel using σκίουρος.Tatoeba #5102953 by katkat, translation #1331223 by Scott
- Ο σκίουρος είναι στη στέγη.The squirrel is on the roof.This sentence shows the squirrel's location using σκίουρος.Tatoeba #12133768 by carlosalberto, translation #12133726 by carlosalberto
- Ο σκίουρος τρώει ένα παξιμάδι.The squirrel is eating a nut.This sentence shows the squirrel performing an action using σκίουρος.Tatoeba #12311044 by carlosalberto, translation #8345926 by Cxom
- Ο σκίουρος τρέχει γρήγορα.The squirrel runs quickly.
Example conversation
Nikos and Kyriaki are walking in a public park.
- Νίκος NikosΚοίτα, ένας σκίουρος στο δέντρο!Koita, enas skiouros sto dentro!Look, a squirrel in the tree!
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕίναι πολύ μικρός και γλυκός.Einai poly mikros kai glykos.It is very small and sweet.
- Νίκος NikosΘέλεις να του δώσουμε κάτι;Thelis na tou dosoume kati?Do you want to give it something?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΌχι, ο σκίουρος πρέπει να ψάξει μόνος του.Ochi, o skiouros prepei na psaxi monos tou.No, the squirrel should search on its own.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “squirrel” translations and entries σκίουρος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries σκίουρος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
