νερό
neró/neˈɾo/neuter
The Greek word for water is νερό (neró). Wiktionary also lists ύδωρ (ýdor).
Meaning: inorganic compound H₂O (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| νερό | neró | /neˈɾo/ | neuter |
| ύδωρ | ýdor | neuter |
The word refers to the inorganic compound H₂O.
Which one should you use?
νερό is the standard, everyday word for water used in modern Greek conversation. In contrast, ύδωρ is the ancient Greek form and is used today primarily in scientific, technical or highly formal contexts, such as in 'hydro-' prefixes.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
νερό is a neuter noun, so the definite article used with it is το (as in το νερό). When used in the accusative case to indicate a direct object, the word νερό remains unchanged from its nominative form.
How do you pronounce it?
/neˈɾo/
Did you know?
- In ancient times, the phrase νεαρὸν ὕδωρ was used to specify 'fresh water' as opposed to salt water.
Examples in context
- Δεν ήπια το νερό.I didn't drink the water.This sentence shows how to use the accusative form of νερό in a negative statement.Tatoeba #2653854 by Zeus, translation #2652819 by CK
- Η Μίλι πίνει νερό.Millie is drinking water.This sentence demonstrates the use of νερό as a direct object.Tatoeba #3743221 by Zeus, translation #3172758 by ddnktr
- Το νερό ήταν κρύο.The water was cold.This sentence shows how to use νερό with a neuter adjective.Tatoeba #5438422 by Zeus, translation #1984002 by Spamster
- Μήπως μπορείτε να μου φέρετε ένα νερό;Could you bring me a water, please?
- Το νερό είναι απαραίτητο για την επιβίωση.Water is essential for survival.
- Παρακαλώ μια μπουκάλα νερό.One bottle of water, please.
- Θα πάω για ένα κρύο νεράκι.I'll go get a cold water.
- 115 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kostas and Eleni are at a restaurant.
- Κώστας KostasΘέλω ένα ποτήρι νερό, παρακαλώ.Thélo éna potíri neró, parakaló.I want a glass of water, please.
- Ελένη EleniΘέλεις and το νερό με πάγο;Théleis and to neró me págo?Do you want the water with ice?
- Κώστας KostasΝαι, το νερό να είναι πολύ κρύο.Nai, to neró na einai polý krýo.Yes, let the water be very cold.
- Ελένη EleniΕντάξει, φέρνω τώρα το νερό.Entáxei, férno tóra to neró.Alright, I'll bring the water now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “water” translations and entries νερό, ύδωρ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries νερό, ύδωρ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
