γλώσσα
glóssa/ˈɣlo.sa/feminine
The English word tongue is γλώσσα (glóssa) in Greek.
The word γλώσσα refers to both the physical organ in the mouth and the abstract concept of a language.
Meaning: organ (noun)
Which one should you use?
While γλώσσα is the standard term, the plural form γλῶσσαι is used in formal or poetic contexts when referring to multiple tongues. The diminutive γλωσσάκι is an informal term often used among friends or when speaking to children.
How does it change in a sentence?
γλώσσα is a feminine noun. Its plural form is γλώσσες.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced glóssa (/ˈɣlo.sa/). It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word γλώσσα is used in the term 'glossolalia' to describe the phenomenon of 'speaking in tongues' during religious ecstasy.
- The word γλώσσα is the direct ancestor of the English word 'glossary', which refers to a collection of explanations for difficult words.
- The word γλώσσα is the root of the English medical term 'glossitis', which refers to the inflammation of the tongue.
Examples in context
- Δάγκωσα τη γλώσσα μου.I bit my tongue.This sentence shows how to use γλώσσα when referring to the physical organ.Tatoeba #5496309 by Zeus, translation #2226329 by CK
- Τα Ιταλικά είναι η μητρική μου γλώσσα.Italian is my mother tongue.This sentence illustrates the use of γλώσσα to mean a mother tongue.Tatoeba #5408636 by Zeus, translation #556121 by FeuDRenais2
- Τα Εβραϊκά είναι η μητρική μου γλώσσα.Hebrew is my mother tongue.This sentence demonstrates using γλώσσα in the context of a mother tongue.Tatoeba #5517803 by Zeus, translation #1862363 by Eldad
- Οι γλῶσσαι του κόσμουThe tongues of the world.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kyriaki is telling Nikos about a burn she got while eating.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΠονάει πολύ η γλώσσα μου.Ponai poly i glossa mou.My tongue hurts a lot.
- Νίκος NikosΤι έγινε, Κυριάκη;Ti egine, Kyriaki?What happened, Kyriaki?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΈκαψα τη γλώσσα μου με τον καφέ.Ekapsa ti glossa mou me ton kafe.I burned my tongue with the coffee.
- Νίκος NikosΠιες λίγο κρύο νερό, Νίκο.Pies ligo kryo nero, Niko.Drink some cold water, Nikos.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tongue” translations and entries γλώσσα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries γλώσσα, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
