καράβι
Wordform Details
Translation: shipvesselboat
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
neutersingularnominativeIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: καράβι
Translation: ship; vessel; boat (noun)
Etymology: From Byzantine Greek καράβιον (karavion), diminutive of Ancient Greek κάραβος (karabos), which originally referred to a light ship or boat. The term has evolved from describing a type of light vessel to becoming the general word for 'ship' in Modern Greek. The Ancient Greek κάραβος also referred to a type of beetle or crab, suggesting a connection between the crustacean's shell and the hull of a ship.
Example Usage
Το καράβι έφυγε από το λιμάνι.
The ship left the port.
Ταξιδεύω με το καράβι για την Κρήτη.
I'm traveling by ship to Crete.
Το καράβι έφτασε στο λιμάνι.
The ship arrived at the port.
Ταξιδεύουμε με το καράβι για την Κρήτη.
We're traveling by ship to Crete.
Τα παιδιά έφτιαξαν χάρτινα καράβια.
The children made paper boats.
Το καράβι της ζωής μου πέρασε πολλές φουρτούνες.
The ship of my life has weathered many storms.
Ταξίδεψα με καράβι για το νησί.
I traveled by ship to the island.
Το καράβι της γραμμής φτάνει κάθε Τρίτη.
The liner arrives every Tuesday.
Έφτιαξε ένα χάρτινο καράβι.
He made a paper boat.
Είδαμε ένα μεγάλο καράβι στον ορίζοντα.
We saw a large ship on the horizon.
Ταξίδεψαν με το καράβι στα νησιά.
They traveled to the islands by ship.
Ταξίδεψα με το καράβι στα νησιά.
I traveled to the islands by ship.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'caravan' - both words involve transportation and journeys.
- The word sounds a bit like 'carabiner' - imagine using a large carabiner to hook onto a ship.
Cultural Context
Ships and maritime activities have played a crucial role in Greek history and culture due to Greece's extensive coastline and numerous islands. 'Καράβι' appears frequently in Greek folk songs, poetry, and literature, often symbolizing journey, adventure, or connection between islands and mainland.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'καράβι' means 'ship', 'καραβάνι' means 'caravan' (a group of travelers or vehicles traveling together).
Notes: Both words share etymological roots, with 'καραβάνι' coming from Persian via Turkish, ultimately related to the concept of traveling.
Mnemonic: 'Καράβι' is shorter and refers to a single vessel; 'καραβάνι' is longer and refers to a group of travelers.