τσουνάμι
tsounámi/t͡suˈna.mi/neuter
The Greek word for tsunami is τσουνάμι (tsounámi).
The term refers to a large, destructive wave generally caused by a tremendous disturbance in the ocean.
Meaning: large, destructive wave generally caused by a tremendous disturbance in the ocean (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of τσουνάμι is τσουνάμια.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /tsuˈna.mi/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- When discussing natural disasters, Greeks may use the word κατακλυσμός which refers to a 'deluge' or 'flood' and evokes the ancient myth of Deucalion's flood.
- In Greek nautical jargon, the word κύμα is related to the English word 'cymatic', the study of visible sound and vibration.
- The Greek alphabet uses the letter τ to create the 'ts' sound in τσουνάμι, but in standard Greek phonology, this cluster usually happens at the start of loanwords rather than native words.
Examples in context
- Ο θαλασσοσεισμός προκάλεσε έναν κατακλυσμό παράλληλα με τη σεισμική δόνηση.The tsunami caused a flood alongside the seismic shake.
- Προειδοποιούν για ένα τσουνάμι στον ωκεανό.Proeidopoún gia éna tsunami ston okeanó.They are warning of a tsunami in the ocean.
- Ένιωσαν το τσουνάμι να πλησιάζει την ακτή.Énisan to tsunami na pli-siázei tin aktí.They felt the tsunami approaching the coast.
Example conversation
Anastasia and Nikos are discussing news about a natural disaster.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΝίκο, διάβασες για το τσουνάμι στην Ασία;Níko, διάβασες gia to tsunámi stin Asia?Nikos, did you read about the tsunami in Asia?
- Νίκος NikosΝαι, το τσουνάμι ήταν πολύ ισχυρό.Nai, to tsunámi ítan polý ischró.Yes, the tsunami was very powerful.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΕλπίζω να είναι όλοι καλά.Elpízo na eínai óloi kalá.I hope everyone is okay.
- Νίκος NikosΕγώ επίσης, είναι τρομακτικό.Egó epísis, eínai tromaktikó.Me too, it is terrifying.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tsunami” translations and entries τσουνάμι, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
