εσώρουχα
esoroucha
The Greek word for underwear is εσώρουχα (esoroucha).
εσώρουχα is the general term used to refer to clothes worn next to the skin.
Meaning: clothes worn next to the skin (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the prefix εσώ, meaning 'within' or 'inside' and refers literally to 'inner clothes' or 'clothes worn inside'.
How does it change in a sentence?
While εσώρουχα is a plural noun used as the default form, the singular form εσώρουχο can be used to refer to a single piece of underwear.
How do you pronounce it?
esoroucha
Did you know?
- The prefix εσώ is shared with the word εσώτερος, which can describe both a physical location and a 'deep' or 'inner' psychological state.
- In ancient Greek, the concept of 'inner clothing' was often described by the specific function of the garment, such as the χίτων (chiton), rather than a single word for 'underwear'.
- In modern Greek fashion boutiques, you might see the word εσωτερικά used for 'innerwear' on high-end labels, which sounds slightly more sophisticated than the everyday εσώρουχα.
Examples in context
- Πρέπει να αγοράσω καινούργια εσώρουχα.Prepi na agoraso kainourgia esoroucha.I need to buy new underwear.
- Τα εσώρουχα είναι στο δεύτερο συρτάρι.Ta esoroucha einai sto deftero syrari.The underwear is in the second drawer.
Example conversation
Eleni and Nikos are packing for a trip.
- Ελένη EleniΈφερες μαζί σου αρκετά εσώρουχα;Eferes mazi sou arekta esoroucha;Did you bring enough underwear with you?
- Νίκος NikosΝαι, έχω αρκετά στην τσάντα μου.Ne, echo arekta stin tsanda mou.Yes, I have enough in my bag.
- Ελένη EleniΤέλεια, τότε είμαστε έτοιμοι.Teleia, tote eimaste etimoi.Great, then we are ready.
- Νίκος NikosΠεριμένε, θα ελέγξω μόνο τις κάρτες.Perimene, tha elegxo mono tis kartes.Wait, I'll just check the cards.
