καταπίνω
katapíno/ka.taˈpi.no/
The Greek verb for "swallow" is καταπίνω (katapíno).
καταπίνω is used to describe the action of causing something to pass from the mouth into the stomach. It is distinct from the noun χελιδόνι, which refers to the bird known as a swallow or the noun μπουκιά, which refers to an amount swallowed.
Meaning: to cause to pass from the mouth into the stomach (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The verb καταπίνω is composed of the prefix κατα-, meaning "down" or "completely" and πίνω, which means "to drink".
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form καταπίνω is the first-person singular present indicative active form, meaning "I swallow".
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced {katapíno} (ka.taˈpi.no). It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- While καταπίνω literally means 'to drink down', Greeks use it figuratively to describe someone who 'swallows' their pride or suppresses an emotion.
- The word καταπίνω can also be used in a financial context to describe 'swallowing' or absorbing a large loss or expense.
- If you want to say you 'swallowed' a lie or a story in a deceptive way, you would use καταπίνω to imply you accepted it completely.
Examples in context
- Καταπίνω τη γλώσσα μου.I swallow my tongue.This sentence shows the use of καταπίνω in the first-person singular.Tatoeba #9615333 by Nylez, translation #9946680 by Nylez
- Κατάπιε το χάπι αμέσως!Swallow the pill immediately!
Example conversation
Eleni and Giorgos are taking medicine.
- Ελένη EleniΠώς καταπίνεις αυτά τα μεγάλα χάπια;Pos katapines auta ta megala hapia?How do you swallow these large pills?
- Γιώργος GiorgosΤα καταπίνω γρήγορα με πολύ νερό.Ta katapino grygora me poly nero.I swallow them quickly with plenty of water.
- Ελένη EleniΕμένα μου είναι δύσκολο.Emena mou einai dyskolo.It is difficult for me.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΔοκίμασε να πιεις περισσότερο νερό, Ελένη.Dokimase na pieis perissoterou nero, Eleni.Try to drink more water, Eleni.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “swallow” translations and entries καταπίνω, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
