βρικόλακας
vrikólakas/vɾiˈkolakas/masculine
The English word vampire is translated into Greek as βρικόλακας (vrikólakas). Wiktionary also lists βαμπίρ (vampír) and δράκουλας (drákoulas).
Meaning: mythological creature (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| βρικόλακας | vrikólakas | /vɾiˈkolakas/ | masculine |
| βαμπίρ | vampír | /vamˈpiɾ/ | neuter |
| δράκουλας | drákoulas | /ˈðɾa.ku.las/ | masculine |
The term refers to the mythological creature. The word δράκουλας is also frequently used in colloquial speech to describe any vampire.
Which one should you use?
The neuter form βαμπίρ can be used to refer to the creature, while the masculine forms are βρικόλακας and δράκουλας. Although δράκουλας is a proper noun specifically referring to the character Dracula, it is often used informally to mean any vampire.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form βρικόλακας is a masculine noun. In general conversation, it is used to refer to both male and female vampires. However, if you specifically wish to refer to a female vampire, the form βρικόλακα is used.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is vrikólakas. The IPA is /vɾiˈkolakas/.
Did you know?
- The Greek word βρικόλακας has a surprising connection to Slavic languages, originating from the Proto-Slavic word for 'werewolf'.
Examples in context
- Πήγαινε να κοιμηθείς, πριν έρθει ο βρικόλακας να σε φάει!Go to sleep before the vampire comes to eat you!This sentence uses βρικόλακας to show how the word can be used in a playful or cautionary warning.
- Η ιστορία του βρυκόλακα είναι αρχαία και μυστηριώδης.The story of the vampire is ancient and mysterious.
- Ο βρικόλακας είναι ο αγαπημένος μου χαρακτήρας.O vríkolakas íne o agapiménos mou charaktíras.The vampire is my favorite character.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a horror movie at a cafe.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΜαρία, είδες την ταινία με τον βρικόλακα;María, ídes tin tainía me ton vríkolaka;Maria, did you see the movie with the vampire?
- Μαρία MariaΝαι, Δημήτρη, ήταν πολύ τρομακτική.Nai, Dimítri, ítan polý tromaktikí.Yes, Dimitris, it was very scary.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΟ βρικόλακας στην ταινία ήταν τρομερός.O vríkolakas stin tainía ítan tromerós.The vampire in the movie was amazing.
- Μαρία MariaΔυστυχώς, δεν μου αρέσει ο τρόμος.Dystychós, den mou arései o trómos.Unfortunately, I don't like horror.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “vampire” translations and entries βρικόλακας, βαμπίρ, δράκουλας, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries βαμπίρ, βρικόλακας, δράκουλας, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
