μαύρος
Lemma: μαύρος
Translation: black; dark; gloomy; illegal (informal) (adjective)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek μαῦρος (mauros), possibly related to ἀμαυρός (amauros, 'dark, dim')
Mnemonics
- Think of the English word 'Moor' (historically referring to dark-skinned people)
- Remember 'mauros' sounds like 'morose' which is also dark and gloomy
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
Often used metaphorically to describe mood or situations. In modern Greek slang, can refer to illegal or unofficial activities.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: Similar sound but different meaning
This word:
Το αυτοκίνητο είναι μαύρο.
The car is black.
Confused word:
Είναι τελείως μώρος.
He is completely foolish.
Notes: The stress is on different syllables: μαύρος vs μώρος
Mnemonic: μαύρος (black) has αυ, like 'dark'; μώρος (foolish) has ω, like 'wrong'