λουλούδια
Wordform Details
Translation: flowers
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
neuterpluralnominativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: λουλούδι
Translation: flower; bloom; blossom (noun)
Etymology: From Turkish 'lülü' meaning pearl or precious stone, combined with the diminutive suffix '-άκι' which became '-ούδι'. The word entered Greek during the Ottoman period, reflecting how something beautiful and precious (like a pearl) came to describe flowers. This Turkish origin makes it distinct from the more formal Greek word 'άνθος' (flower), which comes from ancient Greek and shares roots with English 'anthology' (literally 'flower collection').
Example Usage
Της έδωσα ένα λουλούδι.
I gave her a flower.
Τα λουλούδια στον κήπο είναι πολύχρωμα.
The flowers in the garden are colorful.
Μάζεψε λουλούδια από το λιβάδι.
She picked flowers from the meadow.
Αγόρασα λουλούδια για τη μαμά μου.
I bought flowers for my mom.
Τα λουλούδια στον κήπο είναι πολύ όμορφα.
The flowers in the garden are very beautiful.
Μου έδωσε ένα κόκκινο λουλούδι.
He/she gave me a red flower.
Mnemonics
- Think 'lulu' (a cute name) + 'doody' - flowers are cute and pretty like someone named Lulu
- The repetitive 'lou-lou' sound mimics the playful way children might describe pretty flowers
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Very commonly used in everyday Greek, more frequent than the formal 'άνθος'. Often used in expressions of affection, gift-giving contexts, and spring celebrations. Greeks traditionally give flowers for name days rather than birthdays.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: άνθος is more formal and literary, while λουλούδι is everyday colloquial
Notes: λουλούδι is what you'd say buying flowers at a shop, άνθος appears more in literature, scientific contexts, or formal speech
Mnemonic: λουλούδι for 'lovely everyday flowers', άνθος for 'academic/poetic flowers' (like anthology)