ηλεκτρική σκούπα
ilektrikí skoúpa
The Greek term for the household appliance used to vacuum is ηλεκτρική σκούπα (ilektrikí skoúpa).
In Greek, to express the action of vacuuming, speakers typically use the verb σκουπίζω (to sweep) combined with the noun ηλεκτρική σκούπα.
Meaning: transitive: to clean with a vacuum cleaner (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ηλεκτρική σκούπα literally translates to electric broom.
Which one should you use?
Use ηλεκτρική σκούπα when referring to the household appliance, but use κενό when referring to a vacuum in a scientific sense, such as the void of space.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
ilektrikí skoúpa
Did you know?
- The word σκούπα shares a common ancestor with the word σκήπτρο, which means 'scepter'. Both words evolved from the same ancient root referring to a staff or rod.
- The term ηλεκτρική σκούπα is a literal descriptive compound. Many Greek household appliances follow this pattern of taking a traditional tool and adding the word 'electric' to it.
- Despite being a modern appliance, the root of σκούπα was borrowed from the Latin 'scopa' during the Byzantine era, long before electricity existed.
Examples in context
- Μην ξεχνάς να περάσεις την ηλεκτρική σκούπα στο χαλί.Don't forget to vacuum the carpet.
- Χρειάζεσαι τη σκούπα για να καθαρίσεις το πάτωμα.You need the vacuum to clean the floor.
- Η ηλεκτροκίνητη σκούπα είναι εξαιρετικά βολική.The electric vacuum cleaner is extremely convenient.
Example conversation
Eleni and Dimitris are discussing house chores.
- Ελένη EleniΔημήτρη, θα πάρεις ηλεκτρική σκούπα σήμερα;Dimitri, tha paireis ilektriki skoupa simera?Dimitris, will you vacuum today?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΝαι, θα το κάνω μετά το φαγητό.Ne, tha to kano meta to fagito.Yes, I will do it after the meal.
- Ελένη EleniΜη ξεχάσεις το χαλί στην είσοδο.Mi xehaseis to hali stin eisodo.Don't forget the rug at the entrance.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΕντάξει, θα το προσέξω.Entaxei, tha to prosexo.Okay, I'll take care of it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ηλεκτρική σκούπα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries σκούπα, CC BY-SA 4.0.
