λύκος
lýkos/ˈlikos/masculine
The Greek word for wolf is λύκος (lýkos).
λύκος is a masculine noun used to refer to the animal. If you wish to describe the action of devouring, you can use the verbs καταβροχθίζω or χλαπακιάζω.
Meaning: animal (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is λύκος, and the plural form used to refer to multiple wolves is λύκους.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlikos/
Did you know?
- In Greek-speaking folklore, certain names for the wolf are considered 'taboo', and people avoid saying the actual name to prevent attracting the beast's attention.
- The Greek word λύκος shares an ancient root with the English word 'lycanthrope', which refers to a werewolf.
- In Greek mythology, the connection between λύκος and the moon is often more indirectly linked to the concept of 'wildness' rather than the literal lunar cycles seen in Western pop culture.
Examples in context
- Ο λύκος ζει στο δάσος.The wolf lives in the forest.This sentence shows the use of λύκος in a sentence about where the animal lives.Tatoeba #11383356 by carlosalberto, translation #11383344 by carlosalberto
- Το λιοντάρι και ο λύκος είναι δυνατά ζώα.The lion and the wolf are strong animals.This sentence uses λύκος to group the wolf with another strong animal.Tatoeba #11664467 by carlosalberto, translation #11664464 by carlosalberto
- Είμαι λύκος.I'm a wolf.This sentence uses λύκος to describe a person as being a wolf.Tatoeba #10165193 by abi, translation #10156621 by shekitten
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a nature documentary.
- Κώστας KostasΕίδαμε έναν λύκο στο ντοκουμένταρο.Eídame énan lýko sto ntokouméntaro.We saw a wolf in the documentary.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΉταν ο μεγάλος λύκος;Ítan o megálos lýkos;Was it the big wolf?
- Κώστας KostasΝαι, ο λύκος ήταν πολύ τρομακτικός.Ne, o lýkos ítan polý tromatikós.Yes, the wolf was very scary.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΟ Κώστας φοβάται τους λύκους.O Kóstas fovátai tous lýkous.Kostas is afraid of wolves.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wolf” translations and entries λύκος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries λύκος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
