σκουπίδια
skoupídia
The English word "trash" is translated into Greek as σκουπίδια (skoupídia).
The term σκουπίδια is used to describe both household waste and litter found on the ground.
Meaning: things to be discarded (noun)
Which one should you use?
While σκουπίδια is the standard term, Απορρίμματα is a formal term for trash and Αχρηστίες is a formal way to refer to items considered junk or trash. Conversely, Μούφα is an informal word used to describe something as nonsense or rubbish.
How does it change in a sentence?
σκουπίδια is a neuter plural noun, which remains plural even when referring to a single mass of trash. The singular form, σκουπίδι, refers specifically to a single piece of litter or one item of trash.
How do you pronounce it?
skoupídia
Did you know?
- In many Greek cities, you might see the phrase καθαριότητα (kathariotita), meaning 'cleanliness', used as a shorthand for 'trash collection services' in local news.
- In Greek, calling a person σκουπίδι is a severe insult, implying they are a waste of human life or devoid of morality.
- In Greek, the slang term μουφά (moufa) literally refers to the smell of something rotting or stale, but it is used to call an idea or a person 'trash'.
Examples in context
- Πρέπει να καθαρίσουμε όλα αυτά τα σκουπίδιαWe need to clean up all this trash
- Τα σκουπίδια είναι στον κάδο.Ta skoupidia einai ston kado.The trash is in the bin.
- Πρέπει να βγάλουμε τα σκουπίδια.Prepei na vgaloume ta skoupidia.We must take out the trash.
Example conversation
A couple is cleaning their kitchen.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΓιώργο, τα σκουπίδια είναι γεμάτα.Giorgo, ta skoupidia einai gemata.Giorgos, the trash is full.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΟΚ, θα τα βγάλω τώρα.OK, tha ta vgalo tora.OK, I will take them out now.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΒάλτε και μια καινούρια σακούλα.Valte kai mia kainouria sakoula.Put in a new bag too.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΈγινε, το κατάλαβα.Egine, to katalava.Done, I got it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry σκουπίδια, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
