γλυκά
glyká/ɣliˈka/neuter, plural
The Greek word for sweets is γλυκά (glyká).
γλυκά is a broad term used to refer to confectionery, such as candy, as well as various types of desserts.
Meaning: confectionery, candy (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word γλυκά is the neuter plural form of the adjective γλυκό (sweet), so it literally means 'sweet things'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural noun γλυκά is derived from the neuter singular adjective γλυκό.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is glyká and the IPA is /ɣliˈka/.
When do people say it?
The term γλυκά is often associated with the tradition of 'γλυκό του κουταλιού' (spoon sweets), which are preserved fruits served to guests.
Did you know?
- The Greek language uses the same root for γλυκά as the scientific terms 'glucose' and 'glycemia', linking everyday candy to medical biochemistry.
- In Greek culture, offering γλυκά like spoon sweets is traditionally paired with a glass of cold water to cleanse the palate between the intense sugar and the water.
- The word γλυκό also means 'gentle' or 'sweet' when describing a person's temperament or a sound. This allows a person to be described as 'sweet' using the exact same word used for candy.
Examples in context
- Του αρέσουν τα γλυκά.He likes sweets.This sentence shows how to express a preference for sweets using γλυκά.Tatoeba #5459712 by Zeus, translation #294930 by CK
- Δε μου αρέσουν αυτά τα γλυκά.I don't like these sweets.This sentence demonstrates how to express a dislike for specific sweets using γλυκά.Tatoeba #2631932 by Zeus, translation #1867354 by sundown
- Όλα μου τα γλυκά είναι νόστιμα!All my sweets are delicious!This sentence is useful for describing the deliciousness of sweets using γλυκά.Tatoeba #3602974 by glavkos, translation #9379507 by Nylez
- Ας φάμε γλυκά σήμερα!Let's have some sweets today!
- Δεν μπορώ να αντισταθώ στα γλυκά.I can't resist sweets.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nikos and Kyriaki are at a bakery.
- Νίκος NikosΚυριακή, είδες τα γλυκά εκεί;Kyriaki, eides ta glyka eki;Kyriaki, did you see the sweets there?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝαι, Νίκο, είναι υπέροχα.Ne, Niko, einai yperokha.Yes, Nikos, they are wonderful.
- Νίκος NikosΘέλεις να πάρουμε κάποια;Theleis na paroume kapoia;Do you want to take some?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΦυσικά, ας πάρουμε μερικά.Fisika, as paroume merika.Of course, let's take some.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sweets” translations and entries γλυκά, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
