ξύλο
xýlo/ˈksilo/neuter
The Greek word for wood is ξύλο (xýlo).
ξύλο is used to refer to wood as a substance or material.
Meaning: substance (noun)
Which one should you use?
While ξύλο refers to the substance of wood, the plural form ξύλα is used specifically when you are talking about multiple pieces of wood or firewood. Additionally, κούτσουρο can be used to refer specifically to logs or firewood.
How does it change in a sentence?
ξύλο is a neuter noun. To indicate possession or what something is made of, you use the genitive form ξύλου, such as in the phrase 'made of wood'.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈksilo/ (xýlo).
Did you know?
- In Greek, the concept of 'getting a beating' is expressed by saying someone 'ate ξύλο'.
- The word ξύλο is a linguistic relative of the English word 'xylophone', which literally means 'sound made by wood'.
- In Greek slang, ξύλο can actually mean a 'beating' or 'hitting'. If someone says they 'gave someone ξύλο', they are not talking about giving them wood, but about physically striking them.
Examples in context
- Το παιχνίδι είναι φτιαγμένο από ξύλο.That toy is made of wood.This sentence shows how to use ξύλο to describe what a toy is made of.Tatoeba #5398581 by Zeus, translation #68727 by Zifre
- Το σπίτι μου είναι χτισμένο από ξύλο.My house is built of wood.This sentence demonstrates the use of ξύλο regarding the construction material of a house.Tatoeba #5531267 by Zeus, translation #250564 by CK
- Αυτό το τραπέζι είναι φτιαγμένο από ξύλο.This table is made of wood.This sentence illustrates how ξύλο describes the material of a table.Tatoeba #7272071 by amoeba, translation #60865 by CK
- Αυτό το έπιπλο είναι φτιαγμένο από ξύλοThis furniture is made of wood
- Οι δοκοί του δαπέδου είναι από ξύλοThe floor beams are made of wood
- Φέρε λίγο κούτσουρο για το τζάκιBring some firewood for the fireplace
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nikos and Eleni are looking at a piece of furniture.
- Νίκος NikosΣου αρέσει αυτό το ξύλο;Sou aresei afto to xylo?Do you like this wood?
- Ελένη EleniΝαι, είναι πολύ ωραίο.Ne, einai poly oraio.Yes, it is very nice.
- Νίκος NikosΕίναι φυσικό ξύλο ή πλαστικό;Einai fysiko xylo i plastiko?Is it natural wood or plastic?
- Ελένη EleniΕίναι πραγματικό ξύλο, Νίκο.Einai pragmatiko xylo, Niko.It is real wood, Nikos.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wood” translations and entries ξύλο, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
